To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to ensure that local authorities are aware of their obligations on the disposal of unwanted medicines under EU Directive 2004/27/EC. (203953)

[holding answer 7 May 2008]: Local authorities (LAs) are obliged to collect clinical waste, including unwanted medicines, from householders on request, although they may make a charge. The Department's guidance Safe Management of Healthcare Waste, aimed at all those involved in the management of healthcare waste including LAs, was published in November 2006 and includes advice on the management of waste pharmaceuticals.