HC Deb 16 July 1992 vol 211 cc1039-40W
Mr. Dafis

'To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will bring forward proposals to treat chlorofluorocarbons as noxious and offensive gases under the terms of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974, and to instruct Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution to proceed to require the installation of emission statement equipment under the terms of the Act for companies that continue to release CFCs in the production of their products.

Mr. Maclean

The production of chlorofluorocarbons is regulated under the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974. There is a duty on the operator to use best practicable means to prevent the emission of noxious or offensive emissions to air. This control regime is being superseded by the new integrated pollution controls established under part 1 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Operators will be required to apply for authorisation on the timetable laid down in the Environmental Protection (Prescribed Processes and Substances) Regulations 1991.

Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to ban the use of hydrochlorofluorocarhon 1342 as a substitute for chlorofluorocarbons.

Mr. Maclean

We are not aware of the existence of this chemical and, therefore, have no plans to ban it.