§ 73. Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent discussions he has had with manufacturers of soft and alcoholic drinks about the environmental nuisance and danger caused by non-returnable cans and bottles; what has been the result of such discussions, if any; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MarksNon-returnable cans and bottles do not in themselves cause environmental nuisance. Like their returnable counterparts, a lot are thrown away irresponsibly, but this can only be tackled as part of the wider problem of dangerous litter. The Litter Acts impose heavy penalties for dropping the litter. In addition, the Government give substantial support to the Keep Britain Tidy Group. But there are, I fear, no easy solutions.