§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what investigations his Department is carrying out into(a) the continued use of the agricultural fumigant methyl bromide and (b) the potential reduction of its environmental impact through composted manure. [62965]
§ Mr. RookerThe Government are bound by the timetable laid down in the Montreal Protocol to reduce or414W phase-out substances as methyl bromide which deplete the ozone layer. The Protocol was last amended in September 1997 when it was agreed, for developed countries, to cut production and use of methyl bromide by 50 per cent. by 2001, 70 per cent. by 2003 and phase out by 2005. All member states of the European Union are signatories to the Protocol, which is currently implemented through Council Regulation (EC) 3093/94.
The European Commission has proposed a draft Regulation imposing a more stringent timetable to cut production and phase-out methyl bromide.
Investigations have therefore been carried out into the impact of the phase-out of methyl bromide rather than into its continued use as an agricultural fumigant.
In addition to these investigations a LINK research project to consider alternatives for the horticulture sector commences in April next year. Part of this project aims at improving composting processes to add value to composts made from domestic waste and animal manure by optimising suppressiveness against soil borne diseases.