HC Deb 13 June 1974 vol 874 cc621-2W
Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek to obtain information about current schemes in Vancouver and other major Canadian cities for the disposal and recycling of waste and litter, with a view to their application in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Oakes

Yes. I am anxious to receive information about important new developments from any source on these matters.

Mr. Tyler

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what financial and other assistance his Department is giving to local authorities to assist in the establishment of recycling plant and to encourage its maximum use.

Mr. Denis Howell

Capital expenditure by local authorities on the collection, treatment and disposal of waste currently falls to be decided in the locally determined sector. Financial assistance towards revenue expenditure is made available through the rate support grant arrangements. Where a local authority decides to adopt a policy of profitable reclamation of materials from waste, having secured a steady and reliable outlet for the reclaimed materials, it is hoped that it will do all it can to harness the apparent willingness of voluntary organisations and individual members of the community to co-operate in such a policy. This is particularly important at a time of public expenditure restraint.