§ 8. Mr. Sainsburyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will publish guidance to local authorities on the profitable organisation of waste paper collection.
§ Mr. Denis HowellA report of a working party which was set up to advise local 1702 authorities on this subject was circulated to them last week. I am sending the hon. Member a copy.
§ Mr. SainsburyDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree that waste paper is a neglected and important resource and that action should be taken on whatever is included in the report? Will he consider particularly drawing the attention of local authorities to the advantages of using the numerous experienced private sector contractors?
§ Mr. HowellIt is a wide-ranging report and I should prefer the hon. Gentleman to read it before I comment on the details. I agree that this is an important part of the reprocessing of natural resources and I am glad that the waste paper trade, which was so badly depressed until recently, is now picking up. One of the difficulties of contracts with private firms is that they are loth to enter into long-term agreements in case the market moves against them.
§ Mr. Ronald AtkinsIrrespective of the market price, should not waste paper be collected and the organisation not be allowed to deteriorate when prices are low. particularly in view of the advantages to the environment and our balance of payments?
§ Mr. HowellI find nothing in those remarks with which I disagree. Industrial matters are for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry.
§ Mr. Kenneth LewisDoes the right hon. Gentleman think that it would be a good idea if Government Departments got rid of some of the paper before it is sent out, thus preventing its becoming waste and a nuisance?
§ Mr. HowellI know of no Minister in the resent Administration who would disagree with the hon. Gentleman.