§ Mr. Oakesasked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) if he will discuss with the Glass Manufacturers Federation its proposals for a bottle bank scheme in co-operation with 200 local authorities;
(2) if he will introduce a bottle bank scheme for local authorities as outlined in the proposals of the Glass Manufacturers Federation;
(3) what would be the estimated savings in energy to implement the bottle 264W bank scheme proposed by the Glass Manufacturers Federation; and what action he is taking on these proposals.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe Department of Industry has frequent contacts with the Glass Manufacturers Federation and has encouraged the development of the bottle bank scheme as a contribution to reducing waste and conserving resources, including energy savings, which I under stand from the federation are likely to be substantial. I have noted with interest the federation's recent announcement of plans to extend the scheme. However, this is essentially an area for local initiative and co-operation, and it is for individual local authorities to decide, following consultation with the glass industry, whether to set up bottle banks in their areas.