Written question asked by Martyn Jones (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 February 1997. It was answered by Lord Horam (Conservative) on Thursday, 20 February 1997 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

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 Health 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. [16277] Mr. Horam: In the buildings for which it is responsible, the Department of Health has undertaken surveys to identify the presence of hazardous materials and ozone-depleting substances. Positive action has been taken to reduce or safely contain any such elements. (a) Hazardous materials: buildings occupied by the Department do not contain any significant amounts of hazardous substances. Where their presence is unavoidable, they are identified, registered and recorded in accordance with legislation. (b) Ozone depleting substances: halon fire extinguishers are being phased out of all our buildings and refrigeration units are being replaced with energy efficient CFC-free equipment. Major air conditioning systems in our buildings are equipped with leak-detection sensors.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 16277; 290 c701W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Central government Buildings Chlorofluorocarbons Government departments Hazardous substances Ozone layer Department of Health