§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the effect on human health of continuing production of HCFCs; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleI am advised that while HCFCs do have some ozone-depleting potential, they cause less damage than CFCs even in the short term. Further, HCFCs are, of course, needed to ensure that they are only used where they are vital to replace CFCs. The European Community will therefore be seeking to bring HCFCs under strict control in this month's review of the Montreal protocol.
With regard to the health effects of ozone depletion, I refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave him on 19 October 1992 and 30 October 1992 at columns 79–80 and 939 respectively.