Chlorofluorocarbons (Hansard, 20 May 1993)

§ Mr. Salmond
To ask the President of the Board of Trade what impact assessment for dry cleaning businesses was carried out by his Department following the Montreal agreement on chlorofluorocarbons in terms of the costs involved and on the viability of such small businesses.

§ Mr. Eggar
[holding answer 18 May 1993]: It is for Departments leading negotiations, in this case the Department of the Environment, to assess the compliance costs of international commitments which have an impact on business. However, DTI commissioned a study into the use of CFCs as solvents in 1992 which highlighted a number of the implications for the dry cleaning sector of the early phasing-out of CFCs.

§ Mr. Salmond
To ask the President of the Board of Trade what notification has been given to dry cleaning businesses of the terms and implications of the Montreal protocol on chlorofluorocarbons for modification for replacement of machinery.

§ Mr. Eggar
[holding answer 18 May 1993]: My Department has publicised the impending phase-out of ozone-depleting substances since the launch of DTI's environment programme in 1989. In addition to regular meetings between officials and representatives of the dry cleaning sector, we have published a series of information leaflets on the issue and most recently distributed over 5,500 "fliers" directly to dry cleaners publicising the latest dates for CFC phase-out and the implications for dry cleaners using CFC 113.

§ Mr. Salmond
To ask the President of the Board of Trade what financial provision has been made for compensation for businesses, in each constituent part of the United Kingdom, for costs incurred in complying with the EC and United Kingdom measures implementing the288W terms of the Montreal agreement banning chlorofluorocarbons (a) overall and (b) in respect of dry cleaning businesses; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Eggar
[holding answer 18 May 1993]: There is no general provision for funding investment in new equipment required to meet higher environmental standards; such subsidies would be contrary to the polluter pays principle. However, normal tax reliefs have been enhanced by the introduction of a 40 per cent. first year allowance for plant and machinery bought in the year ending 31 October 1993. Projects of regional or national benefit may be eligible for regional selective assistance where they create or maintain employment in the assisted areas.