§ Mr. CoakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what measures he is taking to encourage recycling by(a) local authorities, (b) businesses and (c) individuals; [87950]
- (2) what measures he is taking to encourage a market for recycled products with particular reference to paper; [87951]
- (3) what measures he is taking to encourage the use of recycled products. [87952]
§ Mr. MealeIn July 1998 the Government established a Market Development Group to consider the measures that could be taken to enhance the markets for recycled materials, including paper, and to develop proposals to help overcome any barriers. The Group considered a range of measures, including the use of economic instruments; quality standards and specifications for recycled goods and materials; the concept of eco-design; whether longer term contracts for the sale of recyclable materials might be helpful; and whether it is desirable to set mandatory levels of recycled content for specified goods.
The Group has now finished its work and its report and recommendations for action will be published for consultation at the same time as the draft waste strategy.