Recycling and Energy Saving

HC Deb 09 July 1991 vol 194 cc338-9W

Ms. Ruddock

To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will give consideration to implementing a policy of(a) recycling aluminium cans and (b) using ozone-friendly sprays where possible; and if he will make a statement on his general policies regarding recycling and energy saving measures within the Palace of Westminster.

Mr. MacGregor

[holding answer 8 July 1991]: The authorities of both Houses have been in consultation about arrangements for the collection of used aluminium cans. Although this does pose practical problems, the matter is to be considered by the Accommodation and Administration Sub-Committee.

The Departments responsible for cleaning the House and the parliamentary estate and the contracted cleaners are required to use cleaning materials which are environmentally acceptable. It is understood that this requirement governs the products themselves and, where appropriate, their propellants.

Both Houses co-operate to promote practicable recycling measures. At present, this includes the collection of waste paper and bottles, which are recycled in accordance with the terms of a parliamentary works office contract; and the supply of a wide range of stationery products made from recycled paper.

Energy conservation work is treated both as a specific task and as an integral part of both the maintenance of the fabric of the buildings and services on the parliamentary estate and the design of new facilities. During the year the coverage of the building energy management system will be extended, further energy efficient lighting will be installed, another major step in the modernisation of the heating system will be completed and other minor work will be carried out as the opportunity arises.

Staff of the parliamentary works office have a continuing brief to draw the attention of energy liaison officers where lighting is left on repeatedly, and security staff are asked to switch off lighting in empty rooms. It is, of course, incumbent upon all occupants of the parliamentary buildings to adopt a commonsense approach to the use of lighting and other energy-consuming equipment.