The answer to Questions Nos. 276 and 277 which it is proposed to take together is as follows.
While I am not aware of any undue public alarm concerning the use in motor vehicles of liquid petroleum gas (LPG), I understand that research in Holland has shown that the use of LPG in motor vehicles does not constitute a particular hazard provided always that the appropriate equipment is properly installed and maintained.
Regarding the use of LPG in public service vehicles to avoid lead pollution, the Deputy will be aware that many of the country's public service vehicles are propelled by diesel which, like LPG, is a lead-free fuel. With regard to petrol driven vehicles, the question of change over to LPG is being kept under review, but information available at the moment suggests that conversion to diesel usage is more economical than conversion to usage of LPG and also that large scale conversion to LPG will lead to scarcity. It is not my intention, therefore, to take any measures designed to bring about a greater use of this product in motor vehicles, the main attraction of which would appear to be the fact that it is not at present liable to excise duty—a situation which is unlikely to be maintained in the event of any large scale change over from petrol to LPG.
