Written question asked by Martyn Jones (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 25 February 1997. It was answered by Lord Howard of Lympne (Conservative) on Tuesday, 25 February 1997 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: What assessment his Department has made of the presence of (a) hazardous materials and (b) ozone depleting substances within those buildings which his Department occupies.

Answer: Mr. Martyn Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment his Department has made of the presence of (a) hazardous materials and (b) ozone-depleting substances within those buildings which his Department occupies; and if he will make a statement. [16275] Mr. Howard: No central assessment has been made of the presence of hazardous or ozone-depleting substances within the buildings occupied by my Department. However, in accordance with the "control of substances hazardous to health" and asbestos regulations, all managers are required to ensure that appropriate records of hazardous substances are maintained in buildings for which they are responsible. The Home Office continues to provide relevant training for this. Similarly, the Home Office's green housekeeping strategy requires local managers to be alert to the existence of ozone-depleting substances and to any opportunity of phasing these out.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 16275; 291 c128W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Central government Buildings Chlorofluorocarbons Government departments Hazardous substances Home Office Ozone layer