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: If he will list the ways in which his Department has demonstrated the ability to improve efficiency and competitiveness through an environmental audit of the waste management within those buildings his Department occupies.

Answer: Mr. Martyn Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the ways in which his Department has demonstrated the ability to improve efficiency and competitiveness through an environmental audit of the waste management within those buildings his Department occupies; and if he will make a statement. [16417] Mr. Howard: My Department is committed to using the resources entrusted to it to secure best value for money at the least possible cost to the environment. The "Home Office Green Housekeeping Strategy," published in August 1993, requires that property managers carry out an annual audit against environmental objectives which include waste management. Home Office waste management initiatives currently focus mainly on the recycling of paper, aluminium cans and toner cartridges. Environmental guidance material promulgated to the Department's property managers has included the Environmental Agency's "Do-it-Yourself Environmental Performance Checklist", a draft of which was distributed on 9 August 1996, and the Department of the Environment's "Waste Guide", circulated on 4 November 1996.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 16417; 291 c128W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Central government Buildings Competition Government departments Home Office Waste management Environmental audit