§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement updating the Government's strategy for stripping CFC foam from fridges and freezers in the UK; and how long it will take to deal with the backlog of appliances. [48593]
§ Mr. MeacherThere has been considerable progress. Facilities for treating CFC foams are now coming on-stream in the UK. A mobile plant is already operating and two static plants are due to be operational by the end of June. Additionally, refrigerators from various parts of the UK are being exported to Germany for treatment. Sufficient plant should be in place by the end of the year to ensure that the backlog of fridges does not increase further. Current estimates suggest the backlog of appliances will be dealt with during 2003.