§ 6. Mr. Coombsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many convictions there were in 1970 and 1971 for disposing of poisonous wastes in England.
§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsUntil the Deposit of Poisonous Waste Bill starts to operate, it has been impracticable to make any meaningful calculations of convictions for the dumping of toxic matter.
§ Mr. CoombsIn view of the new laws which have been brought in, is my hon. Friend satisfied that the courts can in practice impose fines big enough to prove a real deterrent?
§ Mr. GriffithsI hope that the Deposit of Poisonous Waste Bill will receive Royal Assent later this week. I am sure that under that Measure the very severe fines and prospect of imprisonment will act as an effective deterrent.