§ Mr. Kenneth Bakerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will 254W make a statement on the outcome of the European Economic Community Council of Ministers (Environment) meeting held in Brussels on 17 December.
§ Mr. KingThe council took decisions on an important directive in the field of air pollution, and on restricting emissions of chlorofluorocarbons. It also reacted favourably to my request for early action on our proposal for a ban on the import of primary whale products.
Agreement was reached on a directive on health protection standards for sulphur dioxide and smoke. This lays down limit values for these pollutants to be observed throughout the Community; and also discretionary guide values for further improvement. Implementation of the directive in the United Kingdom will be achieved mainly by extension of smoke control. In a few areas it may be necessary to introduce regulations controlling the sulphur content of fuel oil. This will involve a phased programme which will be developed in consultation with the bodies concerned.
The decision on chlorofluorocarbons ensures that there will be no increase in manufacturing capacity for CFCs 11 and 12 in the Community, and that use of these substances for the filling of aerosol cans will be reduced by at least 30 per cent.—compared with 1976 levels—by 31 December 1981. This is in line with the recommendation made in pollution paper No. 15 published by my Department in October. In view of the uncertainties about the scientific evidence the council agreed to keep the matter under review; and consideration is to be given to any further action that may be needed in time for the council to adopt a revised policy by 30 June 1981.
The council also discussed a proposed directive on lead in air. There was an exchange of views on some basic issues which were unresolved in the draft directive, and I emphasised the need to study the results of the blood lead surveys being carried out under an earlier directive before taking decisions; I also referred to a review of environmental lead being carried out by the working party chaired by Professor Lawther. After discussion it was agreed that the draft directive should be further considered at official level.
255WThe council also received reports on the Commission's participation in the recent ECE meeting at which a convention on transboundary air pollution was agreed; and on the study programme on aspects of oil pollution which was launched following the "Amoco Cadiz" incident.
In addition, I put forward a proposal on the conservation of whales. I pressed strongly for action on the initiative which we took in October. Some reservations were expressed; but after discussion I received the clear support of my ministerial colleagues, and their agreement that the Commission should press ahead urgently with the preparation of formal proposals. I am hopeful that a Community-wide ban on the import of primary whale products will be introduced by 1 January 1982.