§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps will be taken to ensure that district councils are allocated sufficient funding to undertake recycling programmes in accordance with Government's guidelines and directives; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe Government published a consultation paper in March 1993 entitled, "Future Strategy for Waste Management in Northern Ireland". The paper included new legislative proposals similar to the waste management provisions in the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Under these provisions, district councils will be required to draw up recycling plans for their districts. Should councils wish to undertake capital spending on recycling schemes, the Government will be prepared to consider sympathetically applications for loan sanction for this purpose. The legislation will include provision to allow for savings made by district councils as a result of recycling to be made payable to those promoting recycling, such as voluntary groups.