HC Deb 27 November 2001 vol 375 cc785-6W
Mr. Gibb

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what assistance is being offered by her Department to retailers to allow them to continue to take back used fridges and freezers as part of their home delivery service, once the EC Regulation 2037/2000 has been implemented; [17897]

(2) what representations her Department has received from (a) retailers, (b) local authorities and (c) environmental groups regarding EC Regulation 2037/2000; [17899]

(3) what guidance she has given on the safe disposal of goods containing CFCs as required by EC Regulation 2037/2000; [17898]

(4) what measures her Department is taking to ensure that the UK conforms to EC Regulation 2037/2000. [17896]

Mr. Wilson

EC Regulation 2037/2000 on substances which deplete the ozone layer is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Officials in my Department have been working closely with officials in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to encourage retailers either to continue their take-back service or, in the case of retailers that have withdrawn their service, to consider ways in which it might be restarted. Proposals are being developed by DEFRA in consultation with retailers, local authorities and other stakeholders that might help to facilitate this.

The Department has received a number of representations from retailers, local authorities and environmental groups concerning EC Regulation 2037/2000, and has taken steps to keep in regular contact with both retailers and local authorities, in particular through stakeholder meetings held by officials in DEFRA.

Officials in DEFRA have written to all local authorities and other interested parties informing them of the new requirements. Draft guidance on standards for facilities to extract ozone depleting substances from foam in refrigeration equipment and on standards for storage of waste refrigeration equipment has already been circulated to stakeholders for consultation and final versions will be issued shortly.

Officials in the Department have been working closely with officials in DEFRA to help make stakeholders aware of the new requirements.