HC Deb 28 March 1974 vol 871 cc626-8
Q7. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied that there is adequate co-ordination between the Department of Industry and the Department of the Environment in arranging for the recycling of products.

The Prime Minister

There is already close co-operation between Departments, but discussions are taking place to ensure the fullest co-ordination in this increasingly important field.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Is the Prime Minister aware that I am glad that he calls it "increasingly important", but does he know that people who return bottles or empties, even when an appeal is made for their return, are often rebuffed? Is there not a case for a coordinated campaign between central and local government and private enterprise?

The Prime Minister

I shall consider that. Certainly, there has been a great problem. Even before the difficulties of the last few months, there was a growing shortage of milk bottles and other containers. I shall consider what the hon. Gentleman has suggested.

Mr. Stonehouse

Is the Prime Minister aware that there is strong concern about this subject in the country generally, and that many large companies—for instance, Cadbury-Schweppes—are refusing to accept returned containers? Would it not be an excellent idea to put pressure on the CBI to ensure its co-operation in getting these companies to do their duty in this respect?

The Prime Minister

I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for his suggestion. I shall see that it is brought to the attention of my right hon. Friends concerned. But both my right hon. Friend the Member for Walsall, North (Mr. Stonehouse) and the hon. Member for Epping Forest (Mr. Biggs-Davison) will be aware of the great improvements in recycling techniques and methods over the past few years. None is greater, I think, than the saving of newsprint, brought about as a result of the de-inking process developed by a public corporation—the National Research Development Corporation.

Dr. Winstanley

Does not the Prime Minister agree that it is regrettable that many local authorities will not collect waste paper separately, even when householders bother to separate it? Surely this is a matter about which he himself could do something.

The Prime Minister

I shall ensure that the point raised by the hon. Gentle- man is also brought to the attention of my right hon. Friends. Certainly the activity by local authorities in the collection of waste paper varies greatly from area to area, but with the shortage of paper, not only for newsprint but for packaging and other purposes, this matter is very urgent.