§ Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has considered the environmental impact of(a) paper and (b) tissue products manufactured using (i) recycled feedstock and (ii) new fibre; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacleanThe European Council of Ministers adopted a regulation in March establishing a Community eco-labelling scheme which is due to come into operation towards the end of the year. The aim of the scheme is to identify products which do the least harm to the environment.
In preparing for the introduction of the scheme Denmark is leading a study to develop criteria for the award of eco-labels to paper products including fine papers and tissues. This study, to which the United Kingdom is contributing, is examining all the environmental impacts of paper manufacture.