HC Deb 01 May 2001 vol 367 cc602-3W
Mr. Laurence Robertson

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent his Department's headquarters buildings use hydrofluorocarbons for(a) refrigeration and (b) air conditioning; what amounts of hydrofluorocarbons have been purchased in each year since 1995; and what plans he has to phase out the (i) purchase and (ii) use of hydrofluorocarbons. [160008]

Mr. Morley

Hydrofluorocarbons are used in air conditioning equipment, and refrigeration equipment in kitchens and tea points (e.g. domestic refrigerators).

The equipment is maintained in good order, and is being replaced when maintenance becomes too costly or no longer feasible. Over the years only small quantities of refrigerant have been purchased to maintain equipment in good running order. Details of quantities purchased since 1995 are not readily available.

Mr. Laurence Robertson

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what his Department's policy is regarding the purchase of(a) hydrocarbons and (b) other environmentally benign refrigerants to meet the refrigeration and other relevant energy needs of London headquarters buildings and premises owned and leased by his Department; and if he will make a statement. [160007]

Mr. Morley

Maintenance is carried out by approved contractors, who supply refrigerants as necessary. It is anticipated that all equipment using hydrofluorocarbons will be replaced by equipment using more acceptable refrigerants within the present deadline.

Following the earlier agreement to phase out the production of chlorofluorocarbons, an exercise was undertaken in the Department to convert or replace all equipment using chlorofluorocarbons. This was accomplished well within the statutory time limit. Most conversions/replacements involved the use of hydrofluorocarbons.

As HCFC's are now being phased out another rolling programme is being planned to replace this refrigerant with environmentally acceptable alternatives.

Mr. Laurence Robertson

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which London headquarters building and premises owned or leased by his Department use(a) chlorofluorocarbons and (b) hydrochlorofluorocarbons for refrigeration and other relevant energy needs. [160006]

Mr. Morley

(a) The Department has phased out the use of chlorofluorocarbons.

(b) Hydrochlorofluorocarbons are used to a small degree in all London headquarters buildings owned or leased by MAFF.