To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what additional cost he expects to be added to the retail price of (a) traditional incandescent light bulbs and (b) energy-saving light bulbs as a result of the implementation of the Waste, Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive. (144915)

Incandescent light bulbs are not subject to the provisions of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive, but energy- efficient light bulbs, including compact fluorescent bulbs, are. According to industry estimate it cost 20-25 pence to teat a fluorescent bulb. This treatment cost information appeared in the Regulatory Impact Assessment issued alongside the WEEE Regulations.

Ultimately it will be for the lamp industry to ensure that they remain priced at a reasonable level.