§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment has been made by(a) his Department and (b) consultants to his Department of the potential toxic effects of release of hydrofluorocarbons into the environment. [128454]
§ Ms HewittMy Department has not itself carried out or commissioned any such assessments. The Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) is responsible for Government policy on climate change and protection of the stratospheric ozone layer. My Department works closely with DETR in the development of Government policy in these areas.
§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consultations he has had with the refrigeration industry trade associations in respect of replacement options for hydrofluorocarbons. [128451]
§ Ms HewittMy Department holds regular Refrigeration Sector Group meetings, which involve representatives of the refrigerant industry trade associations, industry and other Government Departments to discuss current and future issues of interest such as the use of alternative refrigerants.