§ Mr. GouldTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what information he has on the use by district health authorities of automated cleaning processes which emit considerable quantities of CFCs; and what steps are being taken to find alternatives.
§ Mr. FreemanA minority of DHAs use automated cleaning and drying equipment in their sterile supplies departments for use prior to sterilisation of surgical equipment. Some of the older equipment will emit levels of CFCs within the statutory limit for operator safety and newer equipment involves solvent reclamation systems which considerably reduce the CFC emission levels. The three United Kingdom manufacturers of such equipment are all in the process of seeking alternative processes.