§ Mr. SpellarTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 26 June,Official Report, column 535, what guidance he has given to public sector clients to promote the use of recycled materials in the construction industry. [34329]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe Government look to local authorities to examine how they can contribute to greater efficiency of use in construction contracts for which they are responsible. The guidance in minerals planning guidance note 6 asks planning authorities to identify alternative potential sources of suitable fill for trunk road schemes and asks highways authorities to make greater use of waste and recycled materials in their road construction projects. Department of Transport specifications already permit the use of certain waste724W materials in road construction and my Department has recently let a research contract to look at the scope for increasing such use. The reports on two further research projects into recycling of aggregates have just been published and provide some guidance to the construction industry on recycling possibilities. The Department proposes to establish an aggregates advisory service on a trial basis to draw on the results of the research and experience and to give advice to the construction industry and others on the recycling opportunities in order to reduce the demand for primary aggregates.