HC Deb 14 February 1990 vol 167 cc256-7W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will add improved pulping and de-inking technology used to recycle waste paper to those projects currently supported by his Department.

Mr. Forth

[holding answer 13 February 1990]Government involvement in research into de-inking and pulping has taken place for some years, particularly through support for projects at the paper and board division of PIRA, the research association for the paper promotion board who have been appointed by himself or printing and packaging industries. Current projects are his predecessor either solely or in conjunction with other specifically looking at de-inking (due to be completed in Ministers; and what is their attendance record at meetings autumn 1990), the difficulties of pulping and refining raw materials of the future (completion due spring 1992), and a new project approved to commence in April 1990 to investigate recycling of waste paper into higher grades of paper.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will initiate a campaign to encourage the use of recycled paper in manufacturing processes.

Mr. Forth

[holding answer 13 February 1990]In 1989 United Kingdom paper and board manufacturers consumed approximately 2.5 million tonnes of waste paper. This represents 53 per cent. of the fibre requirement of the industry.

The Department is keen to promote the use of recycled fibre in production processes whenever it is technically and economically viable to do so. With this aim in mind, a joint DTI-industry working group has drawn up specifications for educational and computer papers containing 75 per cent. recycled fibre which will shortly be published. An advisory group set up by the Department is currently examining ways of increasing the utilisation of waste paper in all paper products.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will initiate a publicity campaign to encourage the use by the public of products made from recycled paper.

Mr. Forth

[holding answer 13 February 1990]The Department is keen to encourage the use of products which are manufactured using recycled fibre. Currently an advisory group set up by the DTI is examining ways of increasing the utilisation of waste paper in all paper products.