§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when checks were last carried out on the level of emission of formaldehyde from Strathclyde chemical works in Johnstone; how the checks compared to the current maximum legal levels; what assessment he has made of whether the current emission levels from the factory pose no short-term or long-term threat to the health and wellbeing of neighbours; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Hector Monro[holding answer 29 April 1994]: Strathclyde Chemical Company Limited is registered with Her Majesty's industrial pollution inspectorate in respect of the manufacture of formaldehyde at its premises in Johnstone. As the operator of a registerable process, the company is required to use the best practicable means for preventing the emission of formaldehyde and for rendering harmless and inoffensive any formaldehyde which may be emitted. In pursuance of that duty the company makes regular weekly measurements of formaldehyde emissions and such measurements are subject to scrutiny by the inspectorate. The results confirm that the quantities of formaldehyde emitted are small and of no significance in public health terms.
§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the current regulations relating to the emission levels of formaldehyde; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Hector Monro[holding answer 29 April 1994]: Processes involving the manufacture or use of formaldehyde are prescribed processes in terms of the Environmental Protection (Prescribed Processes and Substances) Regulations 1991 and are subject to the integrated pollution control provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Some existing processes which have not yet been brought within integrated pollution control remain subject to section 5 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 as regards emissions into the atmosphere. Guidance on the emission limits for processes involving formaldehyde has been provided in the chief inspector's guidance note, IPR 4/3—"Processes for the Production or Use of Acetylene, Aldehydes etc"—copies of which are available from HMSO.