HC Deb 20 January 1971 vol 809 cc1060-1
33. Mr. Arthur Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what contact his Department maintains with the National Association of Waste Disposal Contractors; and what advice concerning the development of total destruction complexes that body has tendered.

The Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Peter Walker)

The Association gave evidence to the Working Party on Refuse Disposal and representatives of the Association met officials of the Department in December, 1970, for an informal discussion of waste disposal problems. No advice has been tendered by the Association concerning the development of total destruction complexes.

Mr. Jones

My right hon. Friend will be aware of the increasing lack of dumping facilities for refuse. Does he not agree that these destruction schemes will become a necessary part of refuse disposal and will he encourage such schemes?

Mr. Walker

The Government will encourage such schemes and I hope that suitable reform of local government will enable this matter to be put on a more rational basis.

Mr. Dalyell

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at a recent meeting of the Science and Technology Committee representatives of the industry thought that his Department could be more positive in this matter?

Mr. Walker

We received a report on this matter only a few weeks ago, and we are currently asking local authorities to tackle the matter in a more efficient manner than has occurred in the past. I hope that our arrangements on the future construction of local government will substantially assist.