Fridges and Freezers

HC Deb 19 February 1993 vol 219 c400W

Mr. Chris Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) what are the latest available annual figures for his Department's purchase of domestic fridges and freezers;

(2) how many domestic fridges and freezers his Department intends to purchase in 1993;

(3) if his Department will make it its policy to purchase domestic fridges and freezers that do not contain ozone-depleting substances.

Mr. Forth

In 1992 the Department purchased 13 domestic fridges and two freezers. We do not expect to make any further purchases in the current year. When the need to purchase more or replacement equipment arises, we will wherever possible purchase a type which does not contain ozone-depleting substances.

The Department's purchasing policy is to avoid buying materials and equipment which rely on ozone-depleting substances in their use or manufacture, unless suitable alternative products are unavailable. A reduction in the amount of ozone-depleting chemicals used in its premises will automatically follow as a result of the implementation of this policy.