§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Attorney-General if he will introduce a leakage prevention programme for all refrigeration and air conditioning equipment owned and operated by his departments; if he will publish targets for reductions in leakages; and if he will make a statement.
The Attorney-GeneralThe premises occupied by the Law Officers' departments all form part of the estate of Property Holdings, which is part of the Department of the Environment, and is responsible for any refrigeration and air conditioning equipment incorporated in those premises.
§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Attorney-General if he will implement a refrigerant recycling and reclaim policy covering all departmental equipment currently using chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons; 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.
The Attorney-GeneralThe Law Officers' departments have no current plans for introducing a refrigerant recycling and reclaim policy. However, the departments are replacing halon fire extinguishers with ozone-friendly alternatives. Consideration will be given to the phasing-out of equipment such as refrigerators using CFCs and HCFCs where practicable alternatives exist. Small items of equipment using CFCs and HCFCs, such as refrigerators, will be disposed of in an approved manner which ensures the secure recovery of the gas.