§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department 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.
Mr. John M. TaylorIt is already departmental policy not to procure new or replacement equipment which uses CFCs, and for existing equipment which uses them to be disposed of by qualified contractors when it is replaced. It is also departmental policy to convert and replace this equipment as the opportunity arises. The Department is committed to the targets for the reduction and elimination of CFCs and HCFCs established by the Montreal protocol.
§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department 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. John M. TaylorThe operation and planned maintenance contracts for the Department's estate provide for the routine testing, including leak detection, of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment owned and operated by the Department. Since these arrangements are intended to reduce leakage to the minimum, ultimately the target is nil.