HC Deb 18 June 1992 vol 209 cc660-1W
Mrs. Wise

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking to encourage manufacturers to desist from wasting resources by over-packaging.

Mr. Maclean

My colleagues at the Department have met representatives of the packaging industry three times this year to discuss ways in which they can eliminate unnecessary packaging and reduce the amount of packaging which is thrown away. We have indicated that, if the industry does not produce substantive proposals, we are prepared to take action.

As an initial response to the need to minimise packaging waste, the British Retail Consortium recently issued guidance to its members and their suppliers on retail packaging. Following discussions with the Government, I understand that the packaging industry will be announcing an initiative to deal with complaints about over-packaging next week. I will write to the hon. Member when full details are available.