HC Deb 16 July 1990 vol 176 cc681-2
45. Mr. Janner

To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will make a statement concerning the recyclability of paper used for the official documents of the House.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

All the paper that is provided by HMSO for official use in the House of Commons can be recycled. The Accommodation and Administration Sub-Committee has given approval for a number of items of stationery containing recycled paper to be introduced to the House.

Mr. Janner

How many thousands of tonnes of paper are used by the House during a year, and why is not much more of it recycled, bearing in mind the fact that we should be setting an example?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I do not have the figure at my fingertips. As the hon. and learned Gentleman was told on 5 February, all the paper that is provided for official use in the House can be recycled. The Accommodation and Administration Sub-Comittee is considering ways in which recycled material can be used more widely. The matter is under active consideration, as the hon. and learned Gentleman would wish.