HC Deb 28 July 1997 vol 299 cc49-50W
Mr. Tyler

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the safety of methyl bromide. [10966]

Angela Eagle

Methyl bromide is a toxic substance. Its use at work is controlled under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1994. Specific pesticidal use as a fumigant is further controlled under the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986. The Health and Safety Executive has issued an approved code of practice on the control of substance hazardous to health in fumigation operations as well as guidance on fumigation. Methyl

Employment Service region Government office Pathfinder area Urban/Rural/Conurbation (U/R/C) Number of 18 to 24 client group
1. Office for Scotland Scotland Tayside U/R 1,500
2. Office for Wales Wales Swansea and West Wales U/R 2,399
3. Yorkshire and Humberside Yorkshire and Humberside Sheffield and Rotherham C 3,280
4. London and South East South East Eastbourne U/R 700
5. London and South East London Lambeth C 1,852

bromide causes depletion of the ozone layer and is a controlled substances under the Montreal protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer.