Home computer users in Sussex could get a better deal on inkjet printer cartridges through a scheme to be approved today by the European Parliament.

South-East Liberal Democrat Euro MP Chris Huhne and his colleagues won a battle in the war against methods used by suppliers to keep the price of replacement cartridges high.

The Parliament will give its approval to measures intended to cut the use of so-called clever chips.

Intended originally to give information to computer users about ink levels, the chips can now send signals to prevent the equipment's operation if the cartridges have been refilled or replaced with cheaper alternatives.

Recycling companies claim the silicon chips are being used to allow manufacturers to keep prices scandalously high.

Lib Dem MEPs took up the case on behalf of recyclers and have secured a change in the new EU Electrical and Electronic Waste Directive.

It will require governments to prevent manufacturers selling equipment designed to prevent its reuse or recycling.