§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his letter of 4 September to the hon. Member for Linlithgow (EE/PSO/14592/98), what consultation he has had on the effects of methyl bromide on the ozone layer, with whom, and with what results. [55540]
§ Mr. MealeOn 8 September 1998 we began a consultation on the European Commission's proposed new Regulation on ozone depleting substances, which includes a proposal to phase out the use of methyl bromide by 2001. The consultation ended on 1 October 1998. In total, 307 parties were consulted, including the National Farmers Union, the British Pest Control Association, flour millers and importers of commodities, all of whom expressed a particular interest in the methyl1096W bromide proposals. To date, sixty-five responses have been received, and these are currently being analysed. Some concern has been expressed about the implications of the proposed phase out of methyl bromide and these will be taken into account as we formulate the UK's negotiating position on the new Regulation.