(Huddersfield)
(Lab/Co-op): I want to ask the Leader of the House about a
housekeeping matter. At the time of the last jubilee, some of us
fought very hard to get the fountain in the main court—a gift
from both Houses of Parliament to the Queen for the silver
jubilee—working, and we did that in time. At the moment, it still
is not operating—could he do something about that?
Can we soon have a proper debate on those selfish communities,
towns and cities that create much, much waste but do not want to
dispose of it in their own patch, exporting it to other
constituencies and other parts of the country? As the Leader of
the House will know, energy from
waste in every community could support 20% of our
energy needs.
The Leader of the House of Commons (): I think I am right in
saying that there are plans to make sure that the fountain is
working for the platinum jubilee, and that extensive work has
recently taken place in that area of the Palace of Westminster.
There is also the prospect of the unveiling of a new gift to Her
Majesty from both Houses in the very near future, and we will all
be able to celebrate and enjoy that.
I hear the hon. Gentleman’s comments about waste, and clearly
there are challenges in some communities. Disposal of waste is
often a very controversial planning challenge for local
authorities to overcome. Across Government and local government,
we need to find ways to reduce waste and try to improve
recycling. The Government are certainly committed to doing that,
and I know he will continue to press the issue.
