§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will outline his Department's policy on recovery and recycling of ozone-depleting chemicals.
§ Mr. NorrisGeneral policy on the recovery and recycling of ozone-depleting chemicals is set out in the answer given today by my hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Environment and Countryside. My Department has made arrangements for the recycling of halon fire extinguishers in buildings which it occupies.
§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his Department's policy on purchasing ozone-depleting chemicals and goods manufactured with these substances; and in which year his Department expects to cease using, purchasing or releasing ozone-depleting substances, controlled by the Montreal protocol, and HCFCs.
§ Mr. NorrisThe Department's policy is to avoid the purchase of ozone-depleting chemicals and products that contain or use these substances during manufacture. The use of these chemicals are planned to be phased out in line with the Government's response to the Montreal protocol.
§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the amount in tonnes of ozone-depleting chemicals used or purchased by his Department for the years 1989, 1990 and 1991, and estimates of usage for the next year; what is the estimated bank of ozone-depleting chemicals contained within his Department; and how many months' supply of ozone-depleting chemicals have been ordered by his Department.
§ Mr. NorrisThe Department has not purchased any ozone-depleting chemicals in bulk in the last three years. There are approximately 1,000 portable halon fire extinguishers in the buildings occupied by the Department and these are planned to be replaced by the end of 1993.