§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how the Departmental Green Minister has promoted protection of the ozone layer with specific policy measures; which possible measures have been considered and rejected; and on what grounds.
§ Mr. David HuntThe Government's policy on, and associated measures for the protection of the ozone layer 219W are set out in the environment White Paper "This Common Inheritance", Cm 1200. Details of progress to date and of further action planned are given in the first and second progress reports, Cm. 1655 and 2068. Copies of all three publications are held in the Library of the House.
As the Green Minister for the Welsh Office, I have played an active part in the formulation of this policy. Within the Welsh Office, as part of the Department's purchasing policy, environmental concerns are factors taken into account in all purchasing decisions. In addition a "green housekeeping" strategy for the Department is being prepared which will cover the use of ozone-depleting substances as well as other relevant environmental issues.