HC Deb 04 December 1974 vol 882 cc1549-50
24. Mr. Gould

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice he proposes to give to local authorities and voluntary organisations about the collection of waste paper in the light of the Green Paper entitled "War on Waste" and the recent reluctance of paper mills in Southampton and elsewhere to buy waste paper offered to them.

Mr. Denis Howell

I am aware that there is fluctuation in the demand and prices being offered for certain grades of waste paper at the moment. I believe it is preferable to await the report of the Government's Advisory Group on Waste Paper Recycling before attempting to give substantive advice on this question.

Mr. Gould

Does my hon. Friend accept that it will be extremely difficult to persuade local authorities such as mine to undertake waste paper collection unless they can be convinced that it is economic? Will he have consultations with the industry with a view to making sure that there is a proper market for waste paper?

Mr. Howell

We accept those factors. I am advised that there has been a little difficulty with group five, which is a mixture of newspapers and magazines, but 100,000 tons of group five waste paper were collected this year out of a total of 300,000 tons. For 1975 an additional 250,000 tons of waste paper will be required, including another 80,000 tons from group five which is causing temporary difficulties.

Mr. Rossi

Why cannot the Government take the initiative regarding certain long-term contracts between local autho- rities and the industry to ensure a constant supply of waste paper and, at times when there is a glut, seek adequate storage arrangements on a regional basis and assist local authorities in that way?

Mr. Howell

The hon. Gentleman's record in this matter hardly stands out as a shining example to all. We are taking the initiative that the previous Government failed to take. Indeed, there is no glut at the moment. As I stated, we need all the waste paper collected, and we are taking the initiative with the industry to bring that about.