HC Deb 14 May 1992 vol 207 cc195-6W
Mr. John Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if his Department will require the implementation of waste collection authorities' recycling plans after 1 August; and if he will make a statement on the timetable.

Mr. Maclean

Under section 49 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, my right hon. Friend does not have the power to require waste collection authorities to implement their recycling plans. However, the authorities are required to publicise them, which will mean that they are subject to public pressure for implementation.

Supplementary credit approvals of £12 million were distributed to local authorities for 1991–92 and £15 million have been allocated for 1992–93 to help the capital costs of establishing recycling schemes.

Mr. John Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assistance is available to national parks to set up recycling programmes.

Mr. Maclean

Local authorities with responsibilities for the collection of waste, including those who serve national parks, have a duty under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to prepare recycling plans. The plans should be submitted in draft to my right hon. Friend by 1 August this year. To assist them in implementing the plans we have made available a programme of supplementary credit approvals worth £60 million over four years. Authorities are also able to claim recycling credits from waste disposal authorities in respect of household waste recycling operation in their areas; the credits are equivalent to the net savings of disposal costs and will help to finance the running costs of recycling projects.

We are investigating whether any other economic measures are necessary in order to reach our target of recycling 50 per cent. of household waste by the end of the century.

Many recycling industries are looking for ways of developing their existing operations. There is likely to be scope for them to approach the national park authorities with a view to establishing jointly collection facilities for, for example, glass and cans, in the areas most used by the public.

A recent research project was carried out for the Department on recycling in rural areas; the study area covered part of the North Yorkshire Moors national park. The report is available to any interested parties.