§ Mr. Andrew F. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussion Ministers had with suppliers of disposable equipment for hospitals, in drawing up the guide lines for the campaign, towards a greener NHS, to assess the degree to which materials used would be recycled, or disposed of with minimum environmental damage.
§ Mr. FreemanDepartmental officials have been in touch with glass manufacturers and the Aluminium Can Recycling Association to assess the degree to which these materials, as used in hospitals, can be recycled or otherwise safely disposed of with minimum environmental damage. A review is in progress within the NHS procurement directorate on the potential costs and benefits of using recycled paper more widely in the NHS and this will involve discussions with industry representatives. A number of health authorities have also taken helpful initiatives in this area. The only safe way of disposing of much single use or otherwise disposable equipment after use in hospitals is via incineration. The Department's estates directorate is in regular touch with incinerator manufacturers to ensure that the best possible advice is always readily available to the NHS.