HC Deb 24 March 1987 vol 113 cc112-3W
Mr. Ron Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what information he has as to what percentage of the European market for chlorofluorocarbons is accounted for by British manufacturers.

Mr. Giles Shaw

I regret that this information is commercially confidential.

Mr. Ron Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether there are any other significant uses for halons in the United Kingdom, apart from in fire extinguishers.

Mr. Giles Shaw

No; over 99 per cent. of halons are used in the controls of fires.

Mr. Ron Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures he is taking to ensure that alternatives to fully halogenated chlorofluorocarbons are developed by British manufacturers.

Mr. Giles Shaw

It is open to British manufacturers to apply for grants, under the support for innovation scheme, towards the cost of developing new alternatives to chlorofluorocarbons.

Mr. Ron Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what information he has as to how many aerosol units containing chlorofluorocarbons are sold annually in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Giles Shaw

I regret this information is not available.

Mr. Ron Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will introduce legislation requiring aerosol manufacturers to label those canisters which use chlorofluorocarbons as a proportion of their propellant; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Giles Shaw

The Government are participating in the United Nations environment programme discussions to decide on measures to control production of chlorofluorocarbons. In these circumstances, I consider a requirement for labelling of aerosol cans to indicate that they contain chlorofluorocarbons would he otiose.