HL Deb 30 October 2003 vol 654 cc62-3WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

  1. (a)what has been the annual tonnage of methyl bromide used in the United Kingdom in horticulture or other uses;
  2. (b)what substitutes are available; and
    3. WA 63
  3. (c) whether this chemical is banned or will be banned because of its impact on the ozone layer. [HL5059]

Lord Whitty

  1. (a) The latest figures supplied by EU suppliers of methyl bromide indicate that the amount of methyl bromide used in the UK in horticulture in 2002 was about 184 tonnes.
  2. (b) There are a number of alternatives to methyl bromide for use as soil sterilants, in crop handling and on storage structures, and for use in food storage areas. Details of the specific products approved can be obtained from the Pesticides Safety Directorate.
  3. (c) The supply and production of methyl bromide is due to be phased out in developed countries by 31 December 2004 under the Montreal Protocol and implemented in the European Community under EC Regulation 2037/2000 on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Existing supplies can be used until 31 December 2005. There are exemptions for quarantine and pre-shipment purposes and applications for critical use exemption can be made to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) where there are no technically and economically feasible alternatives.