§ Mr. GallieTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken to bring stability to the United Kingdom waste paper and packaging collection market; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Charles WardleStability in the market cannot be guaranteed, since waste paper is an internationally traded commodity, and as such is subject to fluctuating demand and price. I believe, however, that two developments will help bring about greater stability than that experienced in recent months as a result of packaging waste management regulations in other countries.
The first is the adoption of the proposed EC Directive harmonising member states' regulations in this area, which the Government has supported. I am hopeful that such adoption will occur before the end of 1994. The second is the introduction of industry measures in response to our producer responsibility initiative for packaging. These should lead to co-ordinated recycling activity which is related to demand, and does not trigger the distorting effects of over-collection which have been apparent elsewhere.