Written question asked by Ashok Kumar (Labour) on Wednesday, 5 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 11 November 2003. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Tuesday, 11 November 2003 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what steps are being taken to enforce regulations limiting excessive packaging on products. - Inc ref to www.dti.gov.uk/sustainability/finalpackagingreport.htm.

Answer: Dr. Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps are being taken to enforce regulations limiting excessive packaging on products. [137543] Mr. Timms: The Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations 2003 are enforced by local Trading Standards Offices who work closely with the packaging industry and producers to advise them on best practice in packaging design and to resolve complaints of excessive packaging. A recent study commissioned by the DTI highlights the extensive changes brought about since the introduction of the Essential Requirements. These relate to improvements in packaging design, including minimisation. This report can be viewed at www. dti.gov.uk/sustainability/finalpackagingreport.htm and is also available from DTI publications order line (0870 150 2500).

Secondary information