The Earl of Harrowbyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will ascertain to what extent local authorities or other bodies concerned have taken action as a result of the Government publication on wasting materials, particularly such as paper and glass bottles and whether they will pursue the matter further in such cases where no action has been taken.
The Minister of State, Department of Employment (The Earl of Gowrie)Both the Department of Industry and the Department of the Environment are following up the recommendations contained in the Report of the Committee on Waste Paper Supply and the Study of Returnable and Non-Returnable Containers and discussions have been initiated with all those concerned, including local authorities where appropriate. These discussions are still at an early stage, but I am pleased to note that the glass industry has itself substantially increased targets for the recycling of glass in the next few years. HMSO and other user departments are being asked to consider changing the specification for paper products to facilitate the use of higher percentages of recycled fibre in their manufacture.