HC Deb 06 March 1989 vol 148 cc431-2W
Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the implications for his policy on safe destruction of ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons in the United Kingdom of the decision of European Community Ministers to eliminate most chlorofluorocarbon gases by the end of the century.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

Policy on the destruction of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) is not affected by last week's Environment Council resolution agreeing that production and consumption of certain CFCs should be eliminated by the end of the century.

Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what allowance he has made in his Department's budget for each of the next five years to provide for the substitution of HCFC 22 for chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants covered by the Montreal protocol; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

As refrigeration and air conditioning systems in Government premises need replacing or servicing, full advantage will be taken of the best available alternatives to the Montreal protocol CFCs. This does not require any separate budgetary provision.

Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what is his best estimate of the amount of chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants under the control of his Department.

(2) what plans there are to minimise the risk of leaks of chlorofluorocarbons from refrigeration and air conditioning systems under his Department's control.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given today by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy (Dr. Thomas).