HC Deb 01 July 2002 vol 388 cc71-3W
Jonathan Shaw

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much was granted to waste paper exporters under the PERN system in each of the last two years. [63775]

Mr. Meacher

In 2001, PERN revenue to accredited exporters for paper packaging waste was £3.3 million. This compares with PRN revenue to accredited reprocessors for paper packaging waste of £32 million.

In 2000, PERN revenue to accredited exporters for paper packaging waste was £476,294. This compares with PRN revenue for accredited reprocessors of £15.5 million.

Jonathan Shaw

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the reasons underlying the Government's use of the packaging export recovery note. [63780]

Mr. Meacher

Packaging waste recovery notes (PRNs) and packaging waste export recovery notes (PERNs) are the main method for businesses obligated under the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 (as amended) to demonstrate compliance with their recovery and recycling obligations. These regulations implement the recovery and recycling targets in the EC Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste 94/62/EC which has both environmental and single market objectives.

Under this directive, businesses with recovery and recycling obligations may carry out that recovery/ recycling either in the UK or elsewhere, subject to the usual rules on the export of waste. In the same way, other countries may have their waste recycled by UK reprocessors.

The PERN system provides a method for obligated businesses to demonstrate compliance with their obligations when they have recycling carried out overseas. In terms of operation, the PERN system is the same as the PRN system in that those issuing the PERN or PRN are scrutinised by the agency before they can be accredited, the system deters fraud, and allows resources to be directed at investment in the infrastructural development needed to meet targets.

Jonathan Shaw

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the average value was of a packaging export recovery note in each of the last two years. [63777]

Mr. Meacher

In 2001, the average value of a packaging waste export recovery note (PERN) was, for the different packaging materials, as follows:

£
Material Value
Aluminium 28
Steel 22
Paper 18
Glass 13
Plastic 24

Overall average per tonne was £20.

Jonathan Shaw

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the volume of waste paper exports was in each of the last two years under the PERN system. [63778]

Mr. Meacher

In 2001, 179,439 tonnes of paper packaging waste was exported. In 2000, 59,608 tonnes of paper packaging waste was exported.

Jonathan Shaw

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received on shortfalls in waste paper and other raw materials necessary for domestic paper mills; and what steps the Government have taken to address them. [63779]

Mr. Meacher

The Confederation of Paper Industries have written to explain that they are experiencing difficulties in attracting sufficient quantities of paper/fibreboard packaging waste to UK mills. We are presently discussing this matter with other relevant Government Departments and will be discussing the way forward with the paper industry, with whom we are in regular touch.

Jonathan Shaw

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many packaging export recovery notes were granted in each of the last two years. [63776]

Mr. Meacher

In 2001, packaging waste export recovery notes (PERNs) were issued against 425,165 tonnes of packaging waste. In 2000, PERNs were issued against 315,841 tonnes of packaging waste.