§ Mr. JanmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the individuals in each local authority, by name and authority, to whom he has written with a questionnaire concerning best practice in recycling household waste.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-Amory[holding answer 12 March 1990]: The questionnaire is being sent to the chief executives of all district and county councils in England.
§ Mr. JanmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if his Department has made an assessment or study of the volume of domestic refuse, in terms of percentage, that can be recycled into refuse-derived products, and what percentage remains for landfill; and what is his Department's policy towards the expansion of this capability.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-Amory[holding answer 12 March 1990]: The Government consider that there is considerable potential for the recycling of waste into refuse-derived products, including fuel, and for reducing the proportion of waste that is committed to landfill. This issue is currently being studied by expert working groups under the aegis of the recycling forum, chaired by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.
§ Mr. JanmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if his Department will encourage local authorities to explore joint venture agreements with private sector companies in the field of recycling; and if his Department has made any assessment of the number of private sector companies that would be able to take part in such schemes.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-Amory[holding answer 12 March 1990]: Yes; it is important for the private sector to be involved in recycling ventures by local authorities at every stage of recycling—this can include the collection and sorting of waste and its disposal to contractors or direct to manufacturers. Together with the Department of Trade and Industry, we intend to explore the potential for further joint ventures in this field.
§ Mr. JanmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has on joint ventures currently in existence between local authorities and the private sector to recycle domestic refuse; and if he will list those authorities and companies currently operating such arrangements in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-Amory[holding answer 12 March 1990]: Comprehensive information about such joint ventures is not currently available, but is being sought through a detailed questionnaire on recycling which is being sent to local authorities.