THE Government is putting the finishing touches to the composition of the new Cleaner Vehicles Task Force - announced last week. Chaired jointly by Transport Minister Gavin Strang and Ford of Britain chairman Ian McAllister, the Task Force's principal objective is to encourage the development and marketing of greener vehicles which will appeal to business and private users alike.

Speaking at a conference organised by the Socialist Environmental Resources Association, Strang said: 'Our future cars, buses and lorries will be forged in the white heat of new technology. We recognise the dramatic and continuing reduction in pollution from new vehicles that manufacturers have achieved. They will bring substantial improvements in local air quality, but we cannot afford to be complacent. The mission statement of the Cleaner Vehicles Task Force is to encourage the marketing and sales of vehicles - not just cars - which are cleaner, smarter and more fuel efficient through Government and industry action.'