asked the Minister for the Environment if it is intended to proceed with the decision made by the previous Government to implement the terms of the EC Directive 85/339 regarding disposable beverage containers; if any assessment of the likely job losses arising from the implementation of the directive has been made; the measures the Government are taking to prevent job losses from implementation of the directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Used Beverage Containers.
28.
The primary objective of the directive in question is to reduce the environmental impact of used beverage containers. Each member state was required to draw up four-yearly programmes, beginning in 1987, to reduce the volume and tonnage of such containers discarded into the waste stream and this country's initial programme was notified to the EC Commission in January last. I understand that in the formulation of this programme there was consultation with industrial interests including the beer, wine and spirits, soft drinks and liquid milk industries, which are the main beverage container users, as regards the targets to be aimed at. The programme itself provides for on-going consultation on implementation aspects between the public sector and relevant trade interests. Employment implications will, naturally, be a matter for careful consideration before any formal steps are taken to implement any element of the programme.