§ Mr. SpellarTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what have been the average percentage increases over the last three years in(a) registered fair rents in private unfurnished lettings, (b) house prices and (c) commercial rents.
§ Sir George YoungThe latest available information on average yearly percentage increases in registered fair rents in private unfurnished lettings and house prices is given in the table.
42W
England (per cent.) Year Fair rents House prices 1990 +16.8 -1.8 1991 +10.8 -2.1 1992 +13.3 -4.6 1993 n/a -3.2 For information on commercial rents, I refer the hon. Member to the Valuation Office Agency.
§ Mr. MillsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what communications he has received about the EC proposals for the disposal of waste and a licensing system from farmers and the National Farmers Union.
§ Mr. AtkinsMy right hon. Friend's predecessor and other Ministers in the Department have received four letters from the National Farmers Union, and nine from hon. Members writing on behalf of farmers, about the new waste management licensing system and the EC framework directive on waste—91/156/EEC. My officials have also received correspondence, and have met the NFU.
The forthcoming waste management licensing regulations will retain the current exemption for agricultural waste when they come into force on 1 May 1994. However, in order to comply fully with the requirements of the EC framework directive on waste, it will be necessary to make subsequent provision for some types of agricultural waste to be treated as controlled waste. We have undertaken to issue a consultation paper on any such proposals for new controls over agricultural waste, before making any changes.