HC Deb 09 December 1992 vol 215 c702W
23. Mr. Fabricant

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the extent of ozone level depletion in January 1992 over northern England; and if he will make a statement.

33. Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the recent research findings relating to ozone depletion over the United Kingdom.

Mr. Maclean

The results from measurement sites in Northern Europe and from satellites indicate that ozone levels in January 1992 were the lowest ever recorded at about 20 per cent. below the long-term January mean. This is outside the previously recorded range of natural variability. However, exceptional meteorological conditions involving the lowest surface pressure recorded this century, are thought to have contributed to low ozone levels. Results from succeeding spring months were within the range of long-term variation.