To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with the European Commission in relation to the alleged breaches of its legal duties referred to in paragraph four of his Department’s letter to consultees in respect of its Consultation on Replacement Pollution Control Devices for Motor Vehicles; and if he will make a statement. (255493)

There have been no discussions with the European Commission on the delay to implementation of the EU legislation referred to the Department’s letter.

The Department for Transport regrets the delay which has occurred in implementing the necessary point of sale controls and is seeking to remedy this. It is worth noting, however, that the EU regulations which set the standards to be met by new replacement pollution control devices for cars and vans have direct applicability on manufacturers.