Control of Ozone-depleting Substances — 11 Mar 2009 at 18:09

The majority of MPs voted to support simplifying legislation designed to phase out the production of certain substances believed to be responsible for a reduction in levels of ozone in the atmosphere.

The simplification of the law was intended to ensure greater compliance with the Montreal Protocol^[1] on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer. The protocol is an international treaty which aims to phase out the production of a range of chemicals believed to be responsible for ozone depletion. One effect of ozone depletion is an increase in the amount of UV radiation which reaches the surface of the earth. UV radiation has an adverse impact on human health, e.g. by increasing the incidence of skin cancers and cataracts.^[1]

The text of the approved amendment reads:

• That this House
• takes note of European Union Document No. 12832/08^[2] + Addenda 1 to 3, Commission Communication on completing the phase-out of substances that deplete the ozone layer; and
• supports the Government's aim of securing simplified legislation which reduces unnecessary administrative burdens, ensures compliance with the latest adjustments of the Montreal Protocol and addresses future challenges in order to ensure the timely recovery of the ozone layer.
• [1] EU Document 12832/08 "Completing the phase-out of substances that deplete the ozone layer" - a Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - 11th September 2008
• [2] Wikipedia Page on the Montreal Protocol

Debate in Parliament | Source |