§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the progress being made on the Government's waste and recycling campaign, so far as it lies within his Department's responsibility.
§ Mr. MarksUseful progress has been made under the national anti-waste programme in developing economic viable schemes for recycling household waste. Over 16,000 copies of the Guide to Voluntary Waste Collection, published in June this year, have been requested by interested voluntary groups and516W others, and I am particularly encouraged at the response from local authorities, many of whom are taking steps to organise local schemes. Initiatives have also been taken by industry. We are collecting information on the new developments so that we may be able to give whatever further guidance is needed. We are also continuing to provide financial support for the two pilot plant for the mechanical sorting of refuse collected by local authorities.