29. Mrs. Butlerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs, how many local authorities compost dustbin refuse and sludge; and what action he is taking to encourage local authorities to introduce local schemes either individually or in co-operation with neighbouring authorities.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Sir Keith Joseph)One local authority composts domestic refuse with sewage sludge, and my right hon. Friend has given loan sanction for a scheme put forward by another local authority for composting refuse alone.
In answer to the second part of the Question, more information is needed about the economics of the process before any general guidance to local authorities can be given, but my right hon. Friend is always ready to discuss proposals if it appears that the local disposal system is a suitable one for the introduction of composting plant.
Mrs. ButlerDoes the hon. Gentleman appreciate that the composting of refuse and sludge could be said to be the modern equivalent of Mr. Gladstone's candle ends in terms of saving public money, and that it is also increasingly in demand as an organic soil conditioner? In view of this double function, would not he at least inform local authorities of the possibilities of this very desirable activity?
§ Sir K. JosephWe are seeking evidence and will watch carefully the experiments now in progress. There are considerable problems involved here, however. The bulk of the refuse still has to be disposed of normally, and a use has to be found for the product of which the hon. Lady speaks.