To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what percentage of new cars sold in the last 12 months (a) were capable of running on biodiesel and (b) had diesel engines.

I have been asked to reply.

(a) Nearly all diesel car manufacturers warranty their new vehicles to run on blends of at least 5 per cent. biodiesel. Some manufacturers warranty their vehicles at higher blending levels.

(b) The Department's own figures show that 17.83 per cent. of new cars sold in the last 12 months were diesels.