asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism if he has satisfied himself (i) with the quality of diesel fuel being sold in this country and (ii) that the sulphur content is not likely to cause damage to the engines of vehicles using this fuel.
Written Answers. - Diesel Fuel.
32.
In the winter of 1978-79 widespread failure occurred of vehicles and heating systems fuelled by gas-diesel oil due to the clogging of fuel lines and filters by wax which had precipitated as a result of the drop in temperature. As Minister for Energy at the time, I asked the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards to carry out an investigation to determine the cause of the problem and to make recommendations on how best to avoid a recurrence. The report on this investigation was published by the Stationery Office in December 1979. I understand that the findings and recommendations in the report are being considered by the Department of Energy.
I am not aware of any complaints about the sulphur content of gas-diesel fuel causing damage to the engines of vehicles.