§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has any plans to encourage the use of standard specification returnable bottles; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Forth[holding answer 12 June 1989]: I have been asked to reply.
The Government have no such plans. We know of no evidence that the introduction of legislation or regulation of this nature would have significant benefit to the consumer, to trade and commerce or to the environment. However, the European Commission, in its draft amendment to the EC beverage containers directive (EC/85/339), has proposed that packagers should be required to label their beverage containers with common recyclable or refillable symbols. Discussions are continuing but, if implemented, this amendment would encourage consumers to return a greater number of bottles for refilling or recycling than happens at present.