HC Deb 22 June 1992 vol 210 cc75-6W
Mr. Win Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the amount in tonnes of ozone-depleting chemicals used or purchased by his Department for the years 1989, 1990 and 1991, and estimates of usage for the next year; what is the estimated bank of ozone-depleting chemicals contained within his Department; and how many months' supply of ozone-depleting chemicals have been ordered by his Department.

Mr. Aitken

Figures for the amount of ozone-depleting substances procured and used by the Ministry of Defence in the years 1989, 1990 and 1991 are not readily available and it would require disproportionate time and effort to assemble them. This also applies to estimates of usage for the next year and to how many months supply have been ordered by the Department. The first phase of a procurement monitoring exercise to establish a baseline will be completed mid/late 1992. The current holding of ozone-depleting substances is estimated to be 2,000 tonnes.

Mr. Win Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his Department's policy on purchasing ozone-depleting chemicals and goods manufactured with these substances; and in which year his Department expects to cease using, purchasing or releasing ozone-depleting substances controlled by the Montreal protocol and hydrofluorocarbons.

Mr. Aitken

It is our policy to monitor the procurement of all ozone-depleting chemicals contained in articles to be supplied against contract. This procurement will be reduced in line with percentage reductions prescribed by the Montreal protocol. Release to atmosphere of all ozone depleting substances, including HCFCs, is restricted to operational emergency use only.

Mr. Win Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will outline his Department's policy on recovery and recycling of ozone-depleting chemicals.

Mr. Aitken

It is our policy to recover ozone-depleting substances from service equipments and installations during maintenance or at end of service life. The substances are then recycled.