HL Deb 24 June 1997 vol 580 cc159-60WA
The Countess of Mar

asked Her Majesty's Government:

For what purposes propane phosphonic dichloride, diethyl propane phosphoryl dichloride, propyl phosphonic dichloride, ethyl succinyl chloride and thionyl chloride are manufactured, which companies manufactured these chemicals in the United Kingdom between 1988 and 1991; where was their ultimate destination; and whether they are currently being manufactured by any UK companies.

The Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Simon of Highbury)

I am advised that propane phosphonic dichloride and propyl phosphonic dichloride are the same chemical. It is a chemical intermediate manufactured in the UK by two companies in research quantities. Diethyl propane phosphoryl dichloride is not known to my department. Thionyl chloride is manufactured in the UK by three companies for use as a general purpose chemical reagent. Ethyl succinyl chloride is an intermediate in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and is manufactured by one company for research purposes. Thionyl chloride required an export licence for the period 1988–1991. However, to provide the detailed information required for that period would require extensive research and agreement of commercial parties and would incur disproportionate costs. Apart from this export licence, there was no requirement over that period to keep official information on either the manufacture or the export of these specific chemicals.