HC Deb 04 March 1993 vol 220 cc218-9W
Ms. Primarolo

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the guidelines and targets set for the implementation of the May 1991 DOH green agenda in respect of(a) exploiting the NHS's purchasing power by specifying environmentally friendly products, (b) using contracting to create healthier environments, (c) producing a smoking policy manual, (d) saving 15 per cent. on energy over five years and (e) changing to unleaded fuel throughout the national health service by 1992–93.

Mr. Sackville

The National Health Service Supplies Authority—NHSSA—is responsible for procurement matters for the NHS. It is a customer-driven organisation and responds to its customers' requirements, which are increasingly for environmentally friendly products. This is taken into account when procuring products and NHSSA is in the process of developing a policy, in partnership with customers and suppliers, to encourage wider usage of "green" products throughout the NHS.

In October 1992, guidance was issued to ensure that all sales of tobacco on NHS premises were stopped by the end of 1992, except to long-stay patients who are smokers, and to ensure that, by 31 May 1993, the NHS is smoke-free except for limited necessary provision of separate smoking rooms. A booklet of good practice in implementing smoking policies was issued jointly by the Department and the Health Education Authority. A copy is available in the Library.

In line with the Government-wide target, health authorities are set an overall target for reducing energy consumption by 15 per cent. over the five years from 1991–92. Guidance and advice has been issued to the NHS on options for attaining this reduction. The NHS management executive is monitoring progress towards its achievement.

Ambulance services, the main users of petrol within the NHS, are phasing out the use of leaded petrol in their fleets as part of their vehicle replacement programmes. This allows resources to be managed effectively and provides for the further option of diesel-powered vehicles.