§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the current energy consumption of her Department; what targets have been set to reduce this level to a minimum; and what plans there are for including energy efficiency performance figures in her Department's annual report. [50062]
§ Mrs. BeckettThe Department's energy consumption (including Executive Agencies) in 1996–97 was 61,361,681 Kwh. The Department is committed to reducing consumption by 20 per cent. from the 199–91 figure by 2000.
The Department's next annual report will record environmental performance, including energy efficiency performance figures.
§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of her Department's waste is recycled at present; and what targets there are for increasing this in the future. [50061]
§ Mrs. BeckettThe Department has in place schemes for recycling paper, toner cartridges, and cans. Major suppliers of IT equipment are required to take back packaging for recycling. The scope for increasing recycling is kept under review.
§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps she is taking to discourage car use on departmental business by her Department's employees. [50063]
§ Mrs. BeckettThe Department will be producing a green transport policy early next year which will address this issue among others.