Written question asked by Martin Caton (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 2 December 2004. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 2 December 2004 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 plans she has to improve collection and recycling rates for nickel-cadmium batteries.

Answer: Mr. Caton: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to improve collection and recycling rates for nickel- cadmium batteries. [200283] Mr. Morley: The proposed EU Directive on Batteries and Accumulators, currently being negotiated, contains collection and recycling targets for portable and industrial nickel-cadmium batteries. If these targets appear in an adopted Directive, it is likely that a range of approaches to achieving them will be necessary. We will develop these in consultation with industry and other parties, taking account of best practice, cost, and environmental impact.

Secondary information