HL Deb 15 May 1974 vol 351 cc1011-3
LORD SEGAL

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will urge all local authorities to provide special covered wire-netting receptacles adjacent to all public litter-bins, for the collection of unwanted newsprint.

LORD GARNSWORTHY

My Lords, we are looking to local authorities to reclaim waste materials, including newsprint, wherever this can be reasonably done. It is for those who operate salvage schemes to decide the methods to be used, but I am sure that aesthetic considerations and the costs of collection are matters they will keep well in mind.

LORD SEGAL

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that reply, but may I ask whether he is aware that in the Control of Pollution Bill no distinction is made between newsprint as such and other categories of waste paper, and that not once in the 119 pages of the Bill does the word "newsprint" occur? Would my noble friend consider introducing a Government Amendment in the Report stage urging the provision of these receptacles, which have proved so successful in many areas abroad?

LORD GARNSWORTHY

My Lords I think that I am reasonably familiar with what is contained in the Control of Pollution Bill, but the point raised by my noble friend is one that will certainly be examined.

LORD SHINWELL

My Lords, may I ask my noble friend whether, apart from the question of dealing with litter, which has become almost an intolerable nuisance in many parts of London and elsewhere, there is something to be said for using compulsory powers to compel local authorities to collect waste paper, particularly because of the increasing charge of newsprint and the effect on the balance of payments of purchasing newsprint from abroad?

LORD GARNSWORTHY

My Lords, it is hoped that when the Bill for the control of pollution becomes an Act we shall achieve what my noble friend has rightly indicated is a desirable state of affairs.

LORD SEGAL

My Lords, since economies ought to begin at home, would my noble friend consider providing such receptacles within the precincts of the Palace of Westminster, which might go some small way to saving the £300 million of foreign currency which is now being spent annually on the importing of newsprint from abroad?

LORD GARNSWORTHY

My Lords, I am sure that the authorities responsible for the House will note my noble friend's suggestion.

LORD SLATER

My Lords, will my noble friend the Minister give the House a guarantee regarding the supplementary question put by my noble friend to him as the Departmental Minister, that even if these receptacles were provided the Members of both Houses will be made to use them? From what I have seen over many years, there has been much litter just thrown on the Floor.

LORD GARNSWORTHY

It is the Government's intention, my Lords, to endeavour by persuasion to secure the co-operation of everyone, including Members of both Houses.