asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has to instigate studies into use of domestic waste; and what steps, if any, he is taking to ensure that such waste can be utilised for the benefit of society.

My Department participates in the work of the Waste Management Advisory Council. I shall continue to encourage local authorities to do whatever is practicable to reclaim domestic waste, although the economies of the operation limit the number of materials where reclamation is possible.