§ 16. Mr. IllsleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to publish the Government's proposals under the European directive on packaging waste. [29787]
§ Mr. ClappisonShortly.
§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about the provision of a conscience clause in the draft regulations, now being prepared by his Department, under the Environment Act 1995, concerning the shared legal obligations and recovery in recycling of packaging waste; and if he will make a statement. [30646]
§ Mr. ClappisonI and colleagues are fully aware of concerns that the regulations which we are presently preparing on producer responsibility for packaging waste should not compel businesses to join a scheme if, for whatever reason, they do not wish to do so. I can offer a full reassurance on this matter. There will be two routes for businesses obliged under the regulations to discharge their obligation. They will be free to discharge it alone, or by joining a collective scheme. One of the central provisions of the enabling legislation was that the individual route should be a valid option for an individual business and this will be fully reflected in the regulations. This should become clear when the draft regulations are issued for consultation.