§ Mr. BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is his Department's policy regarding the recycling of information technology equipment within his Department and relevant agencies and to other Government Departments or agencies; and what arrangements have been made in this respect. [23240]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Department's policy is to re-use information technology equipment. We so rarely have surplus equipment of any value to other Departments or agencies that no special arrangements are justified.
We have recently made new arrangements to give surplus desktop equipment to a non-profit organisation to recycle it for use by local education, training and employment bodies or projects. The first items of equipment recycled in this manner will be issued in the near future. Other surplus equipment is sold by public auction.