§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if she will implement a refrigerant recycling and reclaim policy covering all departmental equipment currently using chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons; if she will publish targets for departmental reuse and recycling; if she will implement an equipment conversion and replacement programme for all departmental uses of CFCs and HCFCs; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinIt is part of the Department's environmental policy to eliminate where possible the use of toxic or ozone-depleting chemicals. This is being achieved by replaceing equipment which uses such substances with alternatives which do not contain ozone-depleting chemicals, as and when they are due for replacement. The use by the Department of ozone-depleting chemicals is minimal but we pay due regard to proper disposal methods and are taking steps to ensure that all staff are aware of them.
§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if she will introduce a leakage prevention programme for all refrigeration and air conditioning equipment owned and operated by her Department; if she will publish targets for reductions in leakages; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinWhere such systems are a part of properties occupied by the Department they are regularly checked as a part of planned maintenance.