To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has on the price before and after taxation of an average motor car with and without a catalytic converter, with and without automatic transmission for (a) cars under 1300 cc, (b) cars over 1300 cc and under 2300 cc and (c) cars over 2300 cc; and what research he has undertaken into the effect of the extra cost relating to a catalytic converter on potential purchasers.

The information required by my hon. Friend is not available to me. However, the estimated cost of an optional catalytic converter on a new car is approximately £350. The cost of an optional automatic transmission on a new car ranges from approximately £400 to over £800.