§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will list the fluoro-carbon gases, as regulated under the Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change, that will be utilised in the air conditioning equipment for the Millennium Experience; and if he will make a statement. [28140]
§ Mr. MandelsonThe New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) announced on 13 March the outcome of their competitive tendering process for the supply of chiller units which will provide chilled water for air cooling of the Dome's various exhibits, restaurants and hospitality suites. The refrigerant used in these units is R134a, a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) which is used as environmentally preferable alternative to CFCs and HCFCs. The NMEC will operate and maintain the units to the highest possible standard, and aim to keep emissions of HFCs below 1%—a target which will be monitored by regular independent audits of refrigerant usage. A robust plan for the safe handling and recovery of the refrigerant when the units are disposed of will be put into place. These arrangements meet in full the terms of the 1996 Declaration of Intent agreed between the then Government and Refrigeration Industry which recognises the essential role of HFCs as a replacement for CFCs and HCFCs.