Written question asked by Llew Smith (Labour) on Monday, 8 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 December 2003. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 18 December 2003 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what initiatives her Department is promoting to minimise unnecessary packaging and use of wrapping paper during the Christmas period.

Answer: Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what initiatives her Department is promoting to minimise unnecessary packaging and use of wrapping paper during the Christmas period. [143514] Mr. Morley: Minimisation of packaging needs tackling throughout the year not just at Christmas. The Advisory Committee on packaging has recently set up a new Task Force to look at the potential for further reductions in the amount of packaging used by businesses. The Committee will report its findings to Ministers early next year. We would encourage people to recycle wrapping paper where possible.

Secondary information