§ Lord Holme of Cheltenham, on behalf of the noble Viscount, Lord Hanworth, asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ What action they are taking to reprocess or harmlessly dispose of CFC refrigerants used in government air conditioning and refrigeration installations when this is necessary.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment (Baroness Blatch)My Lords, I am sure that the whole House will join me in wishing the noble Viscount, Lord Hanworth, a speedy recovery and return to his place in the House.
Existing refrigeration equipment in government premises is kept in use only while operationally necessary. CFC refrigerants recovered from equipment during maintenance or dismantling are returned to the manufacturers for reprocessing or for safe disposal if the CFCs cannot be recycled.
§ Lord Holme of CheltenhamMy Lords, I thank the Minister for her good wishes to my noble friend, which I shall pass on. The Government are the largest single users of CFCs; indeed, it has been estimated that they account for one-third of the total use. Does the Minister agree therefore that the Government have a particular responsibility in setting an example — for instance, by including in new contracts clauses relating to safe disposal; by encouraging research and development; hut, above all, by pioneering safe 2 disposal? Might there not be a commercial opportunity for the Government in taking a lead in that area?
§ Baroness BlatchMy Lords, I agree that the Government, being large users of CFCs, have a responsibility to set an example. A detailed manual specifically sets out handling and disposal arrangements together with contract requirements for contractors working with CFCs and/or consultants who are consulting about them. Everyone who carries out work for any government department is subjected to the requirements of the manual.
§ Lord Hatch of LusbyMy Lords, is it not the case that there is at least one commercial company in this country which has devised a scheme for the disposal of CFCs from refrigerators? Is it correct that the company has stated publicly that because the costs are substantial, legislation is required which will enable local authorities to finance the disposal of CFCs using the new process?
§ Baroness BlatchMy Lords, I understand that not only one but many companies are working on finding a substitution for CFCs and developing their safer handling. There is no doubt that companies approach the Government for assistance as regards a change in legislation or for funding. I believe that the alternative method of disposal to which the noble Lord refers is very expensive. At this stage the Government have a good record in phasing out CFCs well ahead of all the requirements of the original Montreal Protocol and the updated agreement. Where disposal of CFCs takes place, it is safe; and, where possible, re-use is resorted to.