HC Deb 08 March 2000 vol 345 cc744-5W
Mr. Chaytor

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy to advise health authorities against the installation in hospitals of air conditioning and refrigerant systems which contain substances known to contribute significantly to global warming. [109331]

Yvette Cooper

It is the Department's policy to achieve best environmental practice and it is committed to the efficient use of energy and resources. This includes taking action to reduce/minimise pollution or the risk of pollution, including ozone-depleting substances and greenhouse gases.

While formulating the Strategy for 'Greening' the National Health Service, NHS Estates (an executive agency of the Department) will address the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to global warming, alongside other environmental factors, such as waste prevention and water conservation.