Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Philip Davies (Conservative). It was answered on Thursday, 2 February 2006 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Recycling (Charities)

Question: I thank the Minister for that reply. Will he consider providing some much-needed funding for Bradford area play association and Windhill community furniture store in my constituency and other small groups, which not only provide an invaluable service in the local area, but play an important recycling role by selling second-hand products that would otherwise be thrown away?

Answer: I note that the hon. Gentleman is asking me to make another spending commitment, which I am nervous about doing. He is right, however, to point out the important role that the voluntary sector plays in recycling and waste management. I am aware of one of the groups in his constituency that he mentioned, because he wrote to me about it. May I recommend that he advises it, if it has not already done so, to contact either its local Business Link or the national furniture reuse network, which might be able to help with advice on funding streams? As I said to him, the Government are examining closely whether the voluntary and community sector can play a bigger role in waste management as part of our waste review.

Secondary information