§ Mr. Wrayasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has about the health risks and other possible damage to people and food production which further deterioration in the ozone layer would bring about.
§ Mrs. CurrieAny reduction in the ozone layer would allow a greater amount of ultra-violet light to penetrate to ground level. However, other factors, such as latitude and degree of cloud cover, are normally the major determinants of ultra-violet light levels in a given area. The implcation for health of increased exposure to ultra-violet light is of an increase in the risk of skin cancer on exposed parts of the body. The extent of deliberate exposure of 413W untanned and unprotected skin directly to sunlight is believed to be the most important factor determining the risk of skin cancer to an individual in any given area.
Food production is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.