§ Mr. BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland 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. [23235]
§ Mr. DewarMy Department redeploys information technology equipment whenever it is cost-effective to do so. Where it is not cost-effective to redeploy equipment, it is traded in through an equipment broker against new purchases as part of our standard competitive tendering approach to IT procurement. The equipment which is traded in is generally refurbished for resale or is added to spares stock. My Department takes account of the environmental management policies of equipment brokers in deciding where to place this business.