§ Mr. Jon Owen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps the Government are taking to actively increase the use of recycled and waste materials as aggregates.
§ Mr. BaldryThe Government are committed to making greater use of waste and recycled materials in construction. An extensive research programme is in hand to support this. Research has identified the availability of these materials and on how to increase usage. A current project is examining steps to encourage greater recycling of demolition materials. We are also participating in an EC priority waste streams project on recycling building and demolition wastes. The revised Minerals Planning Guidance Note 6 on aggregates, which is currently in draft, will also set out policies to increase the use of recycled and waste materials. Final guidance is expected later this year.