News

18th March 2002

John Bowis MEP speaks in Bexleyheath warning against another fridge fiasco!

John Bowis – Conservative Member of the European Parliament for Bexleyheath & the London region – was in Bexleyheath on Friday 15th March 2002, speaking at the Monthly CPF Supper Club of the Bexleyheath & Crayford Conservative Association. John Bowis – Environment spokesman - used the opportunity to highlight the consequences of a European Directive concerning the recycling of household electrical items. He warned that if we are to avoid a situation like the fridge fiasco, the government must make adequate preparations.

Speaking from Bexleyheath John Bowis said, “The European Parliament is considering a proposal at the moment concerning the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment such as TVs, computers, game consoles and videos. The aim is to ensure that we recover this waste rather than just throw it out and help protect the environment.”

John Bowis continued, “In principle there is no doubt that this is a sensible idea that will have obvious benefits to the environment. However, if we are to avoid another fridge fiasco the government must ensure that adequate preparations are put in place before this scheme is implemented. I am sure that the people of Bexleyheath are more than willing to support initiatives that encourage greater recycling, but the facilities must be in place to enable them to do so.”

“In the European Parliament I am campaigning for the European Commission and the British government to fully consider the practical implications of this proposal and ensure that retailers, local councils and producers of electrical goods are properly consulted and listened too. The last thing the people of Bexleyheath want is another fridge fiasco, caused by government incompetence and mismanagement.”