HC Deb 22 April 1985 vol 77 cc330-1W
Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received asking for the implementation of section 4 of the Litter Act 1983.

Mr. Waldegrave

I have had six representations asking for the implementation of this section which requires local authorities to prepare litter abatement plans. Implementation has so far been deferred in view of the need for restraint in public expenditure.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, further to his reply to the hon. Member for Uxbridge (Mr. Shersby) on 28 March 1985, Official Report, column 338, what information is available on the type of litter deposited by the public.

Mr. Waldegrave

The following information was obtained from surveys of picnic sites on August bank holidays in 1972 and 1977 arranged by the Glass Manufacturers' Federation (GMF):

Type of litter Percentage of total litter
1972 1977
Drink containers 7 7
Other cans/tins 1 1
Other plastic bottles * 1
Ice cream cartons 3 1
Cups 3 5
Other plastic containers 1 1
Cardboard containers 2 2
Sweet paper/packets 27 22
Ice cream wrappers * 4
Cigarette packets 8 5
Crisp packets 7 7
Newspapers 2 2
Other papers 32 23
Other litter 6 19
* =Negligible.

The results of a survey undertaken in 1983 will be published shortly by GMF.

Other information is available locally where local authorities have undertaken surveys in their areas.