§ Mr. DafisTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what action is currently being undertaken by his Department to encourage industry to develop halocarbon-free technologies for appliances to be sold to the mass markets; and if he will make it his policy to establish an incentive scheme to assist industry with this process.
§ Mr. EggarMy Department is in close touch with representatives of the sectors of industry concerned to ensure that they are fully informed of the intention to phase out the production of halocarbons, and the need to develop alternatives. The DTI, together with the Department of Environment, already operates schemes offering financial support for the research, development and dissemination of sound environmental technologies, and the replacement of halocarbons is a priority area within those schemes.