asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local authorities in the United Kingdom have installed or are contemplating installing waste recycle schemes; what is the net cost of such ventures; and whether his Department is granting aid or assistance to enable such authorities effectively to dispose of industrial, commercial and domestic waste.

Two waste disposal authorities are co-operating with my Department in pilot projects for the mechanical sorting of waste. The total capital cost of each installation will be about £2 million. My Department is contributing £1·4 million towards the two.In addition, of course, many local authorities reclaim waste paper and ferrous scrap under less sophisticated arrangements.