HC Deb 13 November 1980 vol 992 cc323-4W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the quantity of ethy- lene produced per capita in the United Kingdom; how it compares with the figures for France, the Federal Republic of Germany and the Netherlands; and whether the consumption of plastics derived from ethylene differs materially between the above named countries.

Mr. David Mitchell

The information is as follows:

PRODUCTION OF ETHYLENE PER HEAD OF POPULATION IN 1979
Kgs
United Kingdom 23
France 23
Federal Republic of Germany 58
Benelux* 108
* Separate figures for the Netherlands are not available.

Sources: OECD Main Economic Indicators; European Council of Chemical Manufacturers' Federation (CEFIC).

According to international trade association data there is a significant difference in the consumption of plastics derived from ethylene in the above named countries both in terms of total consumption and per head of population. The estimates are based on the main plastics derivatives of ethylene—polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene and polyethylene.