HC Deb 02 December 1988 vol 142 cc419-20W
Mr. Malcolm Bruce

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to ensure that the electronics industry is aware of the dangers to the atmosphere of CFC 113 in cleaning fluids and to encourage greater use of recycling and recovery and of other cleaning methods.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

Officials of the Department of the Environment and of the Department of Trade and Industry hold regular meetings with representatives of the users of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), including the electronics industry, on the steps that they are taking to reduce use of CFCs to the maximum possible extent. This includes making more efficient use of CFCs as well as switching to alternative substances and processes where feasible. The electronics industry is introducing recycling plant and stringent operating practices to minimise CFC emissions and is playing a full part in the revision and strengthening of the EC code of practice on CFC 113 and encouraging its adoption as an EC standard. Officials from both Departments have participated in seminars organised by the electronics industry on alternative cleaning methods and have disseminated to the industry information on the steps being taken internationally on this front.

Mr. Malcolm Bruce

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on research into the destruction of chlorofluorocarbons.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

The first meeting of the parties to the Montreal protocol, planned for April 1989, will be invited to establish a standing technical committee to review and recommend for approval by the parties methods for destroying chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Officials of the Department of the Environment and of the Department of Trade and Industry are discussing the work being done in this area with representatives from British industry.

Mr. Malcolm Bruce

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to limit the escape of chlorofluorocarbons into the atmosphere as a result of their use in the food packaging industry.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

Under the Montreal protocol measures to control consumption of specified chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are based on reducing overall supply rather than individual uses. Market forces will determine how available supplies are used. We are, nevertheless, keen that user industries should take steps on a voluntary basis to reduce use of CFCs to the maximum possible extent. We therefore welcome the intention of all United Kingdom manufacturers of extruded polystyrene food containers to phase out use of the CFCs controlled by the protocol.

Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he will take to eradicate chlorofluorocarbons from domestic use.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

Under the Montreal protocol international action to reduce emissions of chlorofluorocarbons is based on measures to control overall production and consumption of CFCs. The protocol will be implemented within the European Community by way of a regulation laying down common rules to limit overall production and consumption of these chemicals. Within that regulatory framework we are strongly encouraging user industries to reduce use of CFCs on a voluntary basis to the maximum possible extent. The British aerosol industry expects to phase out non-essential use of CFCs in aerosols by the end of 1989. Other sectors are also taking steps to reduce their dependency on CFCs. Consumers have an important role to play in assisting this process.