HC Deb 17 November 1949 vol 469 c2172
14. Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Health whether he has further considered the extravagance of the present system whereby chemists make no refund on the return of empty bottles; and if he has any scheme to announce for avoiding it.

Mr. Bevan

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham, East (Mr. Harrison) on 27th October.

Mr. Keeling

Yes, but is the Minister aware that, owing to the lack of inducement to return empty bottles, millions of them are thrown into the dustbin after being used once?

Mr. Bevan

I had to choose between getting an economy of very nearly £1 million a year from the chemists by a reduction in the amount paid to them for containers, or the other way, which I am advised by them would not be satisfactory. However, I hope to make an appeal to the public to return empty bottles and to the chemists to receive them.