§ Mrs. BrookeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assistance and guidance she has given to local councils for the disposal of refrigerators after 1 January 2002. [12688]
§ Mr. Meacher[holding answer 8 November 2001]: From 1 January 2002, the EC Regulation on Ozone Depleting Substances will require 'controlled substances' (including CFCs) in coolants and in insulating foam to be removed before recycling or reclamation of domestic refrigerator units. All local authorities have been informed of the requirements of the Regulation and my Department is currently assessing what financial assistance local authorities will require, in keeping with the new burdens procedure. We expect to finalise shortly guidance on the storage of waste refrigeration equipment, prior to CFC extraction.