§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will ban the import of products produced with chlorofluorocarbons from non-signature countries to the Montreal protocol.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe Montreal protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer which the United Kingdom signed on 16 September 1987 and expects to ratify this month, has provision for such controls to be applied by parties within four years of its entry into force to goods containing chlorofluorocarbons and halons. The protocol also has provision for the feasibility of such controls to be considered by parties, in respect of goods made with but not containing these substances, within five years of its entry into force.
The Government will, with the European Community and other parties, consider the implications and acceptability of such controls at the appropriate time.
§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will impose a mandatory labelling scheme on producers of aerosol cans to distinguish which products contain substances which damage the ozone layer.
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§ Mr. AtkinsThe Government continue to believe that this is a matter best left to the operation of the market, rather than rigid legislative control. We welcome the decision earlier this year by the British Aerosol Manufacturers Association to label products not containing CFCs. We also await with interest the outcome of discussions, in the context of the resolution agreed by the Council of Ministers on 16 June, between the European Commission and the European aerosol and other industries on the conclusion of a voluntary agreement for a common Community label for chlorofluorocarbon-free products.