§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the ways in which his Department has(a) demonstrated by example and (b) promoted externally, the ability to improve efficiency and competitiveness through environmental auditing; and if he will make a statement. [4544]
§ Mr. WillettsMy Department and its agencies play a full part in supporting the initiatives being carried forward in response to the 1990 White Paper, "This Common Inheritance", including membership of the green Ministers group. The Department implements an annual green housekeeping action plan, which is subject to regular audit.
Examples of specific initiatives undertaken include:
1. Work following a study into the feasibility of contract energy management has resulted in a reduction of over-capacity in the water heating system in the Cabinet Office buildings at Nos. 68 to 72 Whitehall and in Downing street. The remodelled system provides flexibility whilst continuing to recognise the need for standby facilities to be readily available.2. In the security facilities executive, the Government car service was one of the first organisations to sign up to the London clean air charter and has adopted CityClean and low sulphur diesel fuels. All GCS cars are fitted with catalytic converters and gas powered vehicles are on trial.Where appropriate, further examples are recorded in the Department's and its agencies' annual reports.
§ Mr. JonesTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list the ways in which his Department has(a) demonstrated by example and (b) promoted externally, the ability to improve efficiency and competitiveness through environmental auditing; and if he will make a statement. [4543]
The Deputy Prime MinisterI refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Paymaster General.