§ Mr. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with his European counterparts on the subject of waste recycling.
§ Mr. YeoMy colleagues and I have regular discussions with our European counterparts. The subject of recycling has arisen frequently in recent discussions, with a particular focus on the proposed EC packaging directive, and the effects of the German packaging ordinance on recycling in other member states.
These issues were debated at the most recent Environment Council meeting on 29 June. All other member states shared the United Kingdom's concern about the impact of the German ordinance.
§ Mr. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps the Government have taken towards improving the proportion of household waste recycled.
§ Mr. YeoThe Government are taking a number of measures to encourage recycling. These are set out in "This Common Inheritance, The Second Year Report" (Cm 2068). In particular
we have allocated £15 million in supplementary credit approvals to local authorities to encourage provision of facilities for recycling in 1993–94;we have announced our intention to increase recycling credits from 1 April 1994, so that they reflect the full economic costs of disposal;we are holding discussions with a range of industries, with a view to establishing how they might contribute to the achievement of the 25 per cent. target.