(CuO)(1-z)(La2O3)(z/2) based catalysts with 0.0 less than or equal to z less than or equal to 1.0 supported on gamma-Al2O3 have been prepared in situ and the phases formed have been identified by XRD, SEM and TEM/EDS studies. The catalyst with z = 0.5 exhibited the best catalytic activity for oxidation of CO (T-50 = 295 and 390 degrees C with degrees of conversions of 93 and 92% at 450 degrees C under rich and lean conditions, respectively) and C3H6 (291 and 414 degrees C; 93 and 83%) and reduction of NO (405 degrees C; 60 and 0%). This catalyst contained appreciable amounts of the perovskite phase LaAl1-xCuxO3 and the enhanced catalytic properties are ascribed to the presence of this phase. Addition of Pd to this catalyst implied that the degree of conversion of NO increased and that the light-off temperatures for all involved gas species decreased. Ageing experiments revealed that LaAl1-xCuxO3 decomposed and that Cu containing Pd particles were formed during this procedure which in turn deteriorated the catalytic properties of the catalyst.