§ Mr. Anthony Grantasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress is being made in the assembly of information on contracting out refuse collection and disposal in the United Kingdom and abroad; when it will be available to local authorities; when he expects to publish the results of current research studies into the scope for contracting out various local government services; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe current research project on the pricing and delivery of local environmental services includes consideration of refuse collection and disposal services in selected authorities. The consultants' report is nearing completion and will be published in due course. My noble Friend Lord Bellwin has held discussions with representatives of various interests concerned and has kept in close personal touch with developments at home and overseas especially in the United States. Information 385W assembled by my Department outlining overseas experience in contracting out services, including refuse collection and disposal is already available to local authorities.