HC Deb 13 June 2003 vol 406 c112W
Mr. Gardiner

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the amount councils have spent in each of the last 10 years on removing chewing gum from pavements. [116003]

Alun Michael

We have made no specific assessment of the costs incurred by local authorities in cleaning gum in each of the last 10 years but local authorities have told us that costs are high.

We are currently in discussions with gum manufacturers and interested parties about measures to effectively tackle the irresponsible disposal of chewing gum.

Mr. Gardiner

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with the chewing gum industry to assess the feasibility of changing ingredients in gum so they are less likely to stick to pavements. [116004]

Alun Michael

I and my officials are in discussions with gum manufacturers and other interested parties about what to do about the irresponsible disposal of chewing gum. These discussions include reference to biodegradable chewing gum as well as practical measures to promote responsible behaviour by users.