Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the policy paper entitled Assessment of the F gas Regulation in Great Britain, published on 16 December 2022, if he will make an assessment of what the research and development requirements will be for businesses switching from f-gas to alternative gases to meet the quotas set out in that report; and whether he has had recent discussions with relevant industry stakeholders on the adequacy of resourcing for that research and development.

The F gas regulation in Great Britain Assessment report included HFC demand forecast, modelled for Great Britain, for four forecast scenarios. The assumptions behind these scenarios were informed by stakeholder engagement. We have continued to discuss the feasibility of the scenarios with stakeholders following publication of the report.

We are aware that further research and development, as well as investment, will be needed as the transition to lower GWP alternatives continues. We remain engaged with stakeholders to understand the barriers and challenges faced by industry.

We intend to consult in due course on proposals for legislative reform to the GB F-gas Regulation. This will provide all stakeholders with an opportunity to respond to the proposals and highlight any concerns with resourcing for research and development.