HC Deb 19 November 1973 vol 864 c307W
Sir Gilbert Longden

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will convene a conference of manufacturers to discuss how the packaging of goods can be reduced and ways and means of treating discarded packaging with a view to recovering some of the dwindling resources of basic raw materials.

Mr. Anthony Grant

Questions relating to the packaging of goods and to the recycling of discarded packaging materials are being considered by my Department and the Department of the Environment. The Government have been associated with studies by the industries concerned into the use and disposal of metal, plastics and glass containers; and we are in close touch with the users, collectors and local authorities so far as paper and board are concerned. I do not think at present that a conference along the lines suggested is necessary, but I will bear the suggestion in mind.