§ Mrs. BrintonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the total reduction in greenhouse gas emissions if hospitals and other NHS facilities in Scotland used not-in-kind refrigerants. [86169]
§ Mr. MacdonaldThe specific information required to estimate the total reduction in greenhouse gas emissions if NHS in Scotland (NHSiS) bodies used not-in-kind refrigerants is not collected centrally.
The NHSiS already has operational mechanisms in place to ensure that no ozone depleting substances are vented into the atmosphere by refrigeration appliances and plant. This is achieved via the specification of suitable alternatives to products which contain such substances, by 52W regular servicing and ensuring that they are recovered for recycling or destruction in accordance with all current statutes and codes of practice.
Additionally, against the wider Government obligation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2008–12 and their domestic target of a 20 per cent. carbon dioxide reduction by 2010, the NHSiS has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 30 per cent. in the eight years from 1989–90 to 1997–98. Carbon dioxide is recognised as the principal contributor towards the "greenhouse effect".
From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.