HC Deb 21 January 2003 vol 398 cc211-2W
Mr. Lidington

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the Government's position on forthcoming EU negotiations on a bio-waste directive. [89620]

Margaret Beckett

I cannot at this stage be precise as we have yet to see a Commission proposal for a bio-waste directive. A proposal is expected to come forward later this year. In general terms, we will seek to protect UK interests, while negotiating constructively for a positive outcome. We recognise that a well thought out and relevant bio-waste directive could play an important role in achieving our aim of a sustainable waste management system.

Forward to