HC Deb 02 July 1973 vol 859 cc6-7
7. Mr. John

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what instructions he has given regarding the investigation of the contents of the drums of chemicals at Maendy and Brofiscun quarries.

Mr. Peter Thomas

I have already re-received from Monsanto Limited a detailed list of material tipped. I have also asked the waste disposal firm concerned to provide any additional information it has of the materials deposited, to supplement that already available in the Welsh Office. I am maintaining close liaison with the local authorities which have the initial responsibility under the Public Health Act to investigate.

Mr. John

Does not the Secretary of State realise that in the New Scientist of 21st June a Welsh Office official is reported as saying that Welsh Office officials have not investigated the drums of chemicals on the site because it was not their job to do so? In view of the right hon. and learned Gentlemen's environmental responsibility, which is a responsibility of his Department and not of local authorities, does he not agree that it is a wise precaution that any drums which are apparent on the site should be opened and examined to see that their contents are as described, when any necessary action can be taken?

Mr. Thomas

I certainly understand that people are concerned that everything possible should be done, but there are certain limits to my statutory powers. The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that under Part III of the Public Health Act local public health authorities have the responsibility to investigate accumulations or deposits which may be considered to be prejudicial to health or a nuisance and to take action if they think that is necessary. I am sure that they fully understand their responsibilities.

Mr. Alec Jones

In view of the wide circulation of stories and rumours concerning these two quarries, can the Secretary of State give an indication of the number of similiar sites in various parts of Wales and can he say whether he is taking any steps to check those as well?

Mr. Thomas

Yes. Investigations are being made throughout the whole of Wales to ascertain what tipping has taken place over the years. Local authorities were asked by me a long time ago to send in a report. Wide investigation is being made by Government Departments of the whole of the tipping problem which may exist throughout the United Kingdom.