HC Deb 31 July 1997 vol 299 cc611-2W
Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to introduce a waste minimisation strategy for his Department. [11535]

Mr. Boateng

Waste minimisation is already part of this Department's current energy and environment plans for its buildings, with particular emphasis on paper, a major component of waste.

Facilities for the recycling of paper, cans and laser printer cartridges have been provided in the Department's main buildings for a number of years. Recent initiatives include reducing the amount of paper used and widening the range of recycling facilities to other materials.

Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the amount, and proportion, of paper recycled by his Department in each of the last five years. [11537]

Mr. Boateng

The Department of Health recycled approximately 120,000 kg of waste paper in London for the 1996–97 year.

Paper comes into the Department from many different sources and not all is currently measured. The proportion of paper sent for recycling cannot therefore be calculated.

Data were not collected for previous years.

Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on existing targets set to minimise waste within his Department. [11536]

Mr. Boateng

While recycling facilities have been available for a number of years in the Department's main buildings, volumes of materials sent for recycling have only been recorded since April 1996. Based on very

Information about women attending family planning clinics is contained in the Department's publication "Family Planning Clinic Services, Summary Information for 1995–96, England". Copies have been placed in the Library. Comparable information on women attending GP surgeries is not available.