§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent halons and chlorofluorocarbons are used for defence applications in the United Kingdom and by British forces abroad.
§ Mr. NeubertHalons are widely used in fire-fighting systems. Chlorofluorocarbons are used for air conditioning/refrigeration equipment, aerosol propellants, and cleaning purposes (solvents) and are present in manufactured items such as insulation material.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans exist for reducing the use of halons and chlorofluorocarbons for defence applications, as a contribution to protecting the ozone layer.
§ Mr. NeubertThe testing and demonstration of fire-fighting systems based on the use of halons has already been curtailed. Plans exist to replace chlorofluorocarbons unfriendly to the ozone layer by alternative, ozone-friendly, substances as they become available. Steps have already been taken to reduce the emissions of CFC's in certain areas.