§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the information available to him about the relative environmental record of HCFC 22 and chlorofluorocarbons 11 and 12.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyHCFC22 is estimated to have a very low ozone depletion potential—one twentieth of that of CFC 11 and CFC 12. The Government's view on the use of HCFC22 is set out in its reply to the first report from the Environment Committee (Session 1987—88HC 270–1) on air pollution. (Cm. 522).
§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects HFA 134a to be in use as a substitute for chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants; and what steps his Department is taking to ensure that it is available for use as a refrigerant as soon as possible.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe Government are encouraging the manufacturers of chlorofluorocarbons and halons to develop suitable and safe substitutes as quickly as possible. HFC134a is expected to be available in commercial quantities in the early 1990s, subject to the satisfactory outcome of toxicological testing.
§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether he will take steps to bring the disposal of chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants in industrial premises under safety at work legislation; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what measures his Department is taking to ensure the safe disposal of chlorofluorocarbons from air conditioning systems in trains, airplanes, motor coaches and cars;
(3) if he will take steps to make it illegal to discharge chlorofluorocarbons used in refrigeration into the atmosphere;
(4) if he will make a statement on the facilities available in the United Kingdom for (a) the safe disposal and (b) the recycling of chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants;
428W(5) what steps he is taking to ensure that adequate facilities exist for the disposal and recycling of chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThis question, together with others by the hon. Member, reflects the recommendations of a report prepared by the Heating and Ventilating Contractors' Association called "Safe Disposal of CFC Refrigerants". My right hon. Friend and I have recently been sent copies of the report. Officials are discussing it with the association and with other industry representatives.