§ Mr. BevanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the Government's target for recycling.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryThe Government's target is that 50 per cent. of recyclable household waste should be recycled by the end of the century, and that all forms of recycling should be maximised. This is part of our policy of conserving resources through preventing and reducing waste and promoting the effective and efficient re-use and recovery of materials. To this end we are bringing forward measures in the Environmental Protection Bill to empower and encourage local authorities to undertake recycling. In addition we are working with manufacturers and retailers, voluntary groups and local authorities to identify and remove the barriers to further recycling.