§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimates he has made of the level of ozone depletion over the Antarctic and Arctic; what estimates he has made of ozone levels for(a) 2000 and (b) 2005; and if he will make a statement. [15939]
§ Mr. ClappisonStratospheric ozone depletion occurs primarily in the spring. In 1995, the total amount of ozone was some 50 to 60 per cent. below normal over the Antarctic in October, and 20 to 30 per cent. below normal locally in the Arctic in March. In 2000 and 2005, total amounts of ozone in the Antarctic are expected to be similarly below normal, but may be up to 10 per cent. further below normal in the Arctic.
During the next 50 years ozone levels are expected to return slowly to normal as a result of actions being taken under the Montreal protocol.