HC Deb 19 November 1998 vol 319 c825W
Mr. Chaytor

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received relating to the impact of the Packaging Waste Regulations 1997. [60489]

Mr. Meacher

A total number of the 356 responses were received to the consultation document we published on 30 July. Of the responses, 66 were from Trade Associations, 141 were individual businesses and 66 from local authorities. Comments were made on a wide range of issues regarding the Packaging Waste Regulations, all of which are being considered and will be taken into account in formulating proposals which we hope to announce shortly.

Mr. Chaytor

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to review the operation of the Packaging Waste Regulations 1997 and correct market distortions produced by the malfunctioning of the PRN system. [60487]

Mr. Meacher

We published a consultation paper on 30 July this year. The paper proposed a number of amendments to the Regulations and further developments to the non-statutory approach to the Packaging Waste Recovery Note (PRN) system. We are presently considering the 356 responses to the document and hope to make an announcement shortly.