HC Deb 21 March 1974 vol 870 cc1311-2
14. Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals he has for import savings in order to reduce the balance of payments deficit.

Mr. Dell

As the Gracious Speech indicated, we shall be giving the highest priority to overcoming the economic difficulties created by the balance of payments deficit. But I cannot comment on any particular measures in advance of my right hon. Friend's Budget Statement.

Mrs. Short

May I suggest that my hon. Friend bears in mind that newsprint, tinplate and glass can all be recycled, to the benefit of the national economy and the advantage of scarce world resources? Will he consider this? In the meantime, does he not think that he could relieve all of us of the appalling obscenity of the non-returnable bottle?

Mr. Dell

My hon. Friend has put interesting questions. They are, however, questions for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Trade and Industry and I schall make sure they know of my hon. Friend's views.

Mr. Cormack

Will the right hon. Gentleman confirm or deny the story about the Greek frigates, and can the Government afford to sacrifice this £60 million or £70 million when they are grappling with this problem?

Mr. Dell

I have no evidence on the point raised by the hon. Gentleman.

Sir D. Walker-Smith

With regard to the recycling of these scarce commodities, has the right hon. Gentleman seen the answer given to my Question yesterday by the Secretary of State for the Environment in respect of efforts to be made with local authorities on this, and is there co-ordination between these various Departments, since the right hon. Gentleman mentioned only the Secretary of State for Trade in this context?

Mr. Dell

I apologise to the right hon. and learned Gentleman. I thought I referred to the Secretary of State for Industry.