I propose to take Questions Nos. 29, 122, 143, 145 and 148 together. I share fully the concern at the recent scientific findings on the ozone layer. It is well known that damage to the ozone layer is caused by emissions of chloro-fluorocarbons (CFCs), halons and other similar chlorine-containing substances which have a long residence time in the atmosphere; the recent findings are also linked to the presence of volcanic ash in the stratosphere as a result of the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines last year.
The EC has responded quickly to the situation. The Environment Council which I attended on 23 March adopted a position in favour of the elimination of the production and consumption of CFCs and related substances by end 1995 and a reduction of 85 per cent in most cases by end 1993. The Community will press for the adoption of these measures at the review of the Montreal Protocol to the Ozone Convention which is to be concluded in Copenhagen next November.
EC Regulation 594/91 already provides a Community regime for the control and elimination — generally by 1997, of CFCs and related substances. The stricter position to which the Community is now committed will require the adoption of a new regulation.