§ Mr. Bill O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to ensure that local authorities continue to recycle municipal waste after 2005–06 when statutory responsibility ends; and if she will make a statement. [148755]
§ Mr. MorleyI refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 14 January 2004,Official Report, column 740W. As that answer explained, this year's review of national recycling targets will include consideration of whether to set further statutory recycling targets for local authorities for the years beyond 2005–06. Although I cannot prejudge the outcome of that review, the Government's goal will remain to encourage local authorities to continue to move management of municipal waste up the waste hierarchy in order to meet their obligations under the Landfill Directive.