HC Deb 30 November 1979 vol 974 cc840-1W
Sir Bernard Braine

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now ask the Stratospheric Research Advisory Committee to re-examine its recent findings in the light of the conclusions of the new report from the American National Academy of Sciences on ozone depletion; and to publish a supplementary report.

Mr. Fox

The two reports were based on a similar body of scientific evidence. They show reasonable agreement in their estimates of possible ozone reduction but differ in the degree of confidence which can be attached to those estimates. The subject will of course be kept under review by scientists advising this Department and further reports published as necessary.

Sir Bernard Braine

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the Stratopheric Research Advisory Committee took into account the latest report from the American National Academy of Sciences on ozone depletion in the stratosphere through the continued release of aerosol propellants before publishing his Department's pollution paper 15 "Chlorofluorocarbons and their Effect on Stratospheric Ozone" (Second Report).

Mr. Fox

Pollution paper 15 was published shortly before the American National Academy of Sciences report became available.