HC Deb 18 April 2002 vol 383 cc1069-70W
Mr. Peter Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the number of old fridges which will be shipped to Germany for dismantling in compliance with EC Regulation 2037/2000. [48321]

Margaret Beckett

[holding answer 10 April 2002]: So far, the Environment Agency has authorised the shipment of approximately 94,500 units for export to Germany. Of these, approximately 3,275 units have been received in Germany and a further 9,615 are in the process of being shipped to Germany for treatment in compliance with EC Regulation 2037/2000. Further applications for 170,350 units have been received by the Environment Agency and these are awaiting a decision.

Mr. Peter Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of(a) the cost and (b) the environmental impact of shipping old fridges to Germany for dismantling in compliance with EC Regulation 2037/2000. [48322]

Margaret Beckett

[holding answer 10 April 2002]: The cost of shipping fridges to Germany is a commercial decision, although costs of £18 to £24 per appliance for export is reasonable. The environmental impact of shipping fridges will be minimal because high standards are imposed at the treatment facilities and the materials are recovered for recycling.