TNAG-2810-FCO40-4055-Future-of-Hong-Kong-International-Rights-and-Obligations-(IR-1993 — Page 88

CODE 18-77

RECE

Mr S Green WIAD

D INDLA

Reference

12

Ma

From: Mrs S E Hogwood

Spok

ESED

може

Date: 24 February 1993

M625/

031/5

/cc: Ms Barrett, Legal Advisers

Ms Godfrey, GA3, DOE

(without encs)

Mr Bunten, HKD

Mr Carter, SED

Ms McNeill, SAAD

Ms Belof, SAAD

Mr Cox, AD(E)

Ms Lamont, Env Div, DTI Mr Fletcher, ITPla, DTI Ms Dixon, SPD

MONTREAL PROTOCOL ON SUBSTANCES THAT DEPLETE THE OZONE LAYER

1.

The Montreal Protocol controls the production and consumption (defined as production plus imports, minus exports) of ozone depleting substances. UK ratified the original (1987) Protocol on 16 December 1988 and the 1990 London Amendment to the Protocol on 20 December 1991. When we ratified the 1987 Protocol all Dependent Territories (except Guernsey) were included with the

The ratification of the London Amendment only included Gibraltar. We aim to extend ratification of the London Amendment to those DTs who wish to have it extended to them in one notification once they have legislation in place to implement the Amendment.

UK.

2.

25

The Parties to the Protocol met in Copenhagen 23 November 1992 to review the Protocol's control measures. Agreement was reached to tighten controls on ozone depleting substances, for a limited number of essential uses after phase-out, and to establish the Financial Mechanism for the Protocol. UK has yet to ratify the amendment agreed at Copenhagen.

3.

We need to advise DTS on the adjustments and amendments agreed at Copenhagen and explain the "essential uses" provisions as nominations for such usage have to be made by 31 March for halons, and by 30 September for other substances. Whilst we would not expect DTS to have any uses for these substances which are different from those in UK, we must be sure. I therefore attach a draft telegram to DTS setting out, in brief, the details of the adjustments/amendments and, in rather more detail, the essential use criteria. I have also enclosed a copy of DOE's summary of 23 February, together with a copy of the relevant Decision. I should be grateful for your comments, and those of copy addressees by close of play 1 March.