§ 12. Mr. Loydenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied that the dangers to health created by the accumulation of refuse in Liverpool have now been removed.
§ The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (Mr. Denis Howell)This is, of course, a matter for the city 1412 council, but I understand that the sites which were considered a health hazard have now been cleared.
§ Mr. LoydenDoes my hon. Friend accept that the concern which was expressed at the time of the dispute in respect of the health hazards presented by these tips still exists? Will he also accept that in much of Liverpool, particularly my constituency, there still are large refuse dumps which are a legacy of the dispute? Will he bring to the attention of the medical officer of health the fact that that officer is responsible for considering public health matters now as he did during the dispute?
§ Mr. HowellI think that the medical officer of health and the city council appreciate their continuing responsibility. There were three out of 39 tips, including one in my hon. Friend's constituency, which were thought to be a hazard to health. They were cleared, as the remainder will be cleared within the next six weeks, and special bonus arrangements have been made. They are being continually monitored and treated, but they are not thought to present any danger to public health. I shall see that my hon. Friend's remarks are conveyed to the appropriate authorities.