Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made from its use in other countries of the potential effect of E10 fuel on (a) farm machinery performance, (b) fuel filter usage and (c) levels of engine injector failure on tractors, mowers and other farm vehicles in the UK; and if he will make a statement.

Most farm machinery is diesel powered; our proposals to introduce E10 petrol are therefore expected to have a limited impact on farm operations. The main use of E10 would be in passenger cars, motorbikes and other petrol-powered equipment using fuel sold at filling stations. Any compatibility issues related to E10 are generally not associated with fuel filters or injectors specifically. Vehicles approved for use with E10 are not expected to experience any significant difference in performance when using the new grade.

However, as our recent consultation “Introducing E10 Petrol” set out, any vehicles and equipment not approved for E10 use are advised to continue to use E5 petrol. Vehicle manufacturers have published information on E10 compatibility and information for other equipment may be retrieved from the manual or require the owner to contact the manufacturer. Any introduction of E10 would be accompanied by legislation requiring the continued supply of E5 petrol for those that need it.