Vol. 497 No. 5
242 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will report on the implementation of the independent monitoring mechanism which systematically quantifies the extent and composition of litter. [25354/98]
The proposal to establish a national litter pollution monitoring system was included in the programme of measures announced by me last June to support local authority action on litter. Details of the programme are set out in the reply to Questions Nos. 17 and 61 of 11 June 1998.
The national monitoring system is expected to be fully operational next year. Tenders are currently being sought for the purposes of the appointment of consultants as the monitoring body under the system. The final date for receipt of tenders is 15 January 1999.
