RECENT articles and correspondence have highlighted the need for us to understand that the damage caused by our current habits of waste production has to be reduced if the life of future generations is not to be prejudiced.

Because environmental concerns spread beyond national boundaries, it is natural that the United Nations and the European Union be the arenas where the way ahead can be worked out. We participate in these discussions through our own Government.

Following draft proposals dated July 1, 1998 the EU Council of Ministers approved on June 29, 2000, the relevant regulations. They then went through the full process of UK Parliamentary scrutiny, regulatory impact assessment and Whitehall interdepartmental consultation before becoming UK law.

The Government then gave advice to local authorities, who meanwhile should have become aware of what was on the way.

DAVID PHIPPS

Westleaze

Mill Lane

Swindon