HC Deb 27 November 1992 vol 214 c883W
Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will introduce a leakage prevention programme for all refrigeration and air conditioning equipment owned and operated by his Department; if he will publish targets for reductions in leakages; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Norris

My Department's property managers are advised to ensure that all plant and equipment is properly maintained and regularly serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's specification, legal requirements and professional advice on best practice. This includes air conditioning and refrigeration equipment.

Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will implement a refrigerant recycling and reclaim policy covering all departmental equipment currently using chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochloro-fluorocarbons; if he will publish targets for departmental reuse and recycling; if he will implement an equipment conversion and replacement programme for all departmental uses of CFCs and HCFCs; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Norris

Plant and equipment in my Department are managed locally. The Department is appointing a network of professional advisers to help property managers check plant and equipment and to draw up forward maintenance programmes. This will include measures to replace ozone-depleting substances as soon as possible, having regard to legal requirements and advice on best practice. Property managers will be encouraged to set and monitor targets locally, taking account of the actual equipment and substances in use, the alternatives available and the opportunities for recycling.