§ Ms Janet AndersonTo ask the Chairman of the Catering Committee what plans there are to discontinue the use of styrofoam cups in refreshment facilities in the Palace of Westminster and the surrounding office buildings. [19290]
§ Sir Colin ShepherdThis is a matter for the Director of Catering Services; I have ask her to write to the hon. Member.
§ Ms AndersonTo ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee what plans there are to increase recycling facilities in the Palace of Westminster and the surrounding office buildings in the future. [19294]
§ Mr. Michael J. MartinThe policy of the two Houses of Parliament is to recycle waste whenever possible. Under the waste collection contract for the Palace of Westminster and parliamentary outbuildings the contractor is required to sort waste into its constituent streams. These waste streams are sent for recycling wherever practicable. This process is audited to ensure compliance. In addition, bulk waste paper from the Vote Office and Fees Office is collected separately for recycling.
Any further increases in recycling facilities would be subject to space and staffing constraints.
§ Ms AndersonTo ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee when the use of recycled stationery and envelopes began in the Palace of Westminster and the surrounding office buildings. [19295]
548W
§ Mr. MartinStocks of recycled A4 size writing paper with the crowned portcullis embossed plain and in green, blue and red, together with recycled plain post-paid envelopes became available from the Serjeant at Arms Stores with effect from June 1991.
§ Ms AndersonTo ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee (1) what plans there are to ensure that all parliamentary stationery and envelopes are derived from recycled material; [19296]
(2) what was the breakdown of the collection of recycled goods for each of the buildings within the parliamentary estate for each year since 1992–93; [19292]
(3) what steps have been taken to ensure that people working in the Palace of Westminster and the surrounding office buildings are aware of recycling initiatives; [19297]
(4) if he will set out the facilities currently available within the Palace of Westminster and the surrounding office buildings for the purpose of recycling; [19293]
(5) what is the average tonnage of (a) paper, (b) glass, (c) metal and (d) plastic from the Palace of Westminster and surrounding office buildings recycled each year; [19291]
(6) what studies have been undertaken to determine how much money could be realised through the collection and sale of recycled goods in the Palace of Westminster and the surrounding office buildings; [19289]
(7) if he will list the incentives currently in place in the Palace of Westminster and the surrounding office buildings to promote the use of recycling facilities. [19288]
§ Mr. MartinThese are matters for the Serjeant at Arms; I have asked him to write to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee what differences in cost would arise if all parliamentary stationery and enveloped were derived from recycled material; and if he will make a statement. [20233]
§ Mr. Martin[holding answer 11 March 1996]At present prices it is estimated that the House would save £14,000 per annum if all paper and envelopes were from recycled paper. The hon. Member may be interested to note that recycled paper is now becoming more expensive than good quality paper, whereas 12 months ago it was the reverse, and costs are likely to change.