§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Prime Minister what percentage of plant and equipment installed in 10 Downing Street in the past 12 months contains HFCs. [15526]
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 16 November 2001]: In accordance with the UK Climate Change Programme, Government policy is that wherever possible HFCs are only used where other safe, technically feasible, cost effective and more environmentally acceptable alternatives do not exist.
During the last 12 months 27 cooling units have been installed which contain HFCs. The manufacturer does not offer the option of non-HFC refrigerant because the available non-HFC refrigerants are not safe to use either in occupied enclosed spaces or enclosed spaces containing electrical equipment. All these systems comply with all relevant European Standards on the use of HFCs and safety in the workplace.