1. I am writing to invite views on proposed draft offences and penalties Regulations that carry forward the implementation of EC Regulation 842/2006 on Certain Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases.
   

2.      A separate consultation paper is being issued dealing with implementation issues relating to the 2006 Regulation No 2037/2000 on substances that deplete the ozone layer.  This can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/ozone/index.htm The proposals in that paper affect some but not all of the sectors affected by this consultation paper, which is why separate consultation papers are being published.

3.      This consultation is available on the Defra website at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/f-gas/index.htm

4.      The following documents may be found on Defra’s website;

·       Letter to consultees;

·       List of consultees; and,

·       Annex A (proposed draft regulations)

·       Annex B (draft partial Regulatory Impact Assessment).

5.      We welcome your views and comments on the proposals.
Responses

6.      Please send responses to either: Andy Smith, 3/A3, Ashdown House, 123 Victoria Street, London. SW1E 56DE

Or e-mail: fgas@defra.gsi.gov.uk

7.      Responses should be received by Tuesday 14 August 2007.

8.      In line with Defra’s policy of openness, at the end of the consultation period copies of the responses we receive will be made publicly available through the Defra Information Resource Centre, Lower Ground Floor, Ergon House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR. The information they contain will also be published in a summary of responses.

9.      If you do not consent to this, you must clearly request that your response be treated confidentially.   Any confidentiality disclaimer generated by your IT system in e-mail responses will not be treated as such a request.   You should also be aware that there might be circumstances in which Defra will be required to communicate information to third parties on request, in order to comply with its obligations under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations.

10.     The library will supply copies of consultation responses to personal callers or in response to telephone or e-mail requests (tel: 020 7238 6575, email: defra.library@defra.gsi.gov.uk). Wherever possible, personal callers should give the library at least 24 hour notice of their requirements. An administrative charge will be made to cover photocopying and postage costs.

11.     If you have any comments or complaints about the consultation process, as opposed to about the issues in the consultation paper, please address them to Marjorie Addo, Defra Consultation Co-ordinator, Area 7B Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR, or email consultation.coordinator@defra.gsi.gov.uk.

12.     Thank you for your help in this matter. If you have any queries please contact us as above.

Yours sincerely,

Andy Smith
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs