HC Deb 22 October 1992 vol 212 c347W
Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has for an increase in the production of the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons as transitional substances.

Mr. Maclean

The United Kingdom Government support the tightest possible limits on the use of HCFCs consistent with achieving the fastest possible elimination of the consumption of CFCs. The details of these controls will be worked out with other Montreal protocol parties in Copenhagen.

Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement relating to the effect on the environment of continued production of HCFCs and other chemicals.

Mr. Maclean

In the forthcoming revision of the Montreal protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer we will promote provisions to ensure the HCFCs are used only in those applications where they are the only practicable alternative to use of the much more damaging CFCs. The use of HCFCs instead of CFCs in these applications will be beneficial for the ozone layer.