HC Deb 29 May 1956 vol 553 c28
48. Mr. Russell

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what proportion of the total household refuse of England and Wales is disposed of by local authorities without any attempt being made to recover valuable materials such as ferrous scrap, paper, glass and textiles; and what steps he is taking to discourage this waste.

Mr. Powell

I regret that the information asked for in the first part of the Question is not available. As regards the second part of the Question, my right hon. Friend has recently issued a circular to local authorities in England and Wales stressing the desirability of recovering ferrous scrap from refuse. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

Mr. Russell

Does not my hon. Friend agree that a great deal of waste is tipped without any attempt being made to recover these materials? Does not he also agree that, in addition to ferrous scrap, there are other materials which are valuable, and that considerable imports could be obviated if all refuse was salvaged in this way?

Mr. Powell

Yes. This is an important matter, and the attention of local authorities has been drawn to it upon several recent occasions.