§ Lady Olga MaitlandTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the latest information he has on levels of stratospheric ozone over the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. MacleanMeasurements of stratospheric ozone made at Camborne and Lerwick during April 1993 show levels of total column ozone between 8 per cent. and 11 per cent. below the long-term April average. Although the ozone levels reman lower than the long-term average, the April values can be compared with decreases of 10 per cent. to 13 per cent. observed in March and over 20 per cent. seen in February. Individual daily measurements during April were consistently low, but were within the range of previously measured values.
The Department's stratospheric ozone review group will include the latest interpretation of the ozone measurements made during 1992–93 in their next report which is due to be published in the autumn.