asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 4 June (WA 178), what account they have taken of the energy usage of the production of newspaper supplements, free newspapers and magazines and their collection for recycling and reconstitution; and [HL4319]

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 4 June (WA 178), whether they will open discussions with newspaper proprietors to introduce a charge for newspaper supplements in order to reduce the weight and volume of domestic refuse. [HL4320]

The Government do not hold information on the energy usage of the production of newspaper supplements, free newspapers and magazines and their collection for recycling and reconstitution.

There are no plans to open discussions with newspaper proprietors to introduce a charge for newspaper supplements. The Government are focusing instead on minimising waste, improving recycling rates and the recycled content of such media by entering into voluntary agreements with the newspaper, periodical-publishing and direct-marketing industries. These agreements are intended to lessen the sector's contribution to carbon emissions and waste.

In the Waste Strategy for England 2007, the Government committed themselves to establishing an agreement with the paper industry on challenging targets to reduce paper waste and increase paper recycling. This will incorporate and develop the existing agreements with newspapers, magazines and direct mail, but also extend to other paper sectors, including office papers, free newspapers, catalogues and directories.