Vol. 222 No. 15
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that since a reply of 18th May it has been announced that a new scheme has been recommended by the British Standards Institution to show on petrol pumps the octane content of each grade of petrol; and if in the light of this development he will have the matter investigated with a view to similar action in this country.
20.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the fact that the British Standards Institution has now published a scheme for classifying the various grades and brands of petrol, and that this scheme has the support of the British Consumer Council, he will now introduce a similar scheme in Ireland.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 19 and 20 together.
I have seen a press report that the British Standards Institution — compliance with whose standards is, I understand, voluntary — has prepared a draft scheme for classifying the various grades and brands of petrol sold in Britain by reference, among other things, to the octane rating of the petrol. Interested parties in Britain received the draft scheme for consideration just a week ago. I do not know whether or not interested parties here will arrange to operate a voluntary scheme on similar lines in this country.
21.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what are the factors other than octane rating, referred to by him in a reply of 18th May, which require to be taken into account in determining the grade of petrol best suited to any particular car.
I understand that, apart from the octane rating of petrol, there could be other factors such as variations caused by length and method of storage and the use of additives which could affect the suitability of petrol for a particular car.
