HC Deb 12 December 1991 vol 200 cc984-5
8. Mr. William Ross

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to deal with hazardous and toxic waste in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Needham

Hazardous and toxic waste not suitable for landfill in existing sites will continue to be transported for disposal at facilities in Great Britain. The hon. Gentleman will be aware, however, that Du Pont Ltd. is to conduct a study into a proposed incinerator facility.

Mr. Ross

My constituents are well informed of moves in that direction. However, does the Minister accept that it is absolutely vital that disposal of such waste should be carried out in the safest possible way? Do the Government accept that disposal of such waste must be overseen constantly by the Government and that all those who oversee should be properly qualified, preferably to degree standard? Does the Minister agree that such waste should be treated or disposed of not by the producers of that waste, but by some other body which may be more independent with regard to financial considerations?

Mr. Needham

The answer to three of the hon. Gentleman's questions is yes. In answer to his last question, I do not believe that it necessarily makes sense for those who may not be fully qualified or experienced to get rid of such waste when those who are involved in a similar business are much better qualified to do so. However, we will certainly look very carefully indeed at the qualifications and at the control of any potential incinerator and where it is to go, should one come forward in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Skinner

Will the Minister bear it in mind that if he wants to get rid of toxic waste in Northern Ireland, he had better not employ the services of the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food? When they tried to get rid of toxic waste in Bolsover, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food had it sent to Severn Trent in the west midlands. It was not incinerated properly, and the result was that the west midlands was polluted with dioxine—

Mr. Speaker

Order. That is a bit wide of the question. [Interruption.] It is.

Mr. Skinner

I am in order—

Mr. Speaker

Order. It is wide of the question.

Mr. Skinner

I am talking about Northern Ireland.

Mr. Speaker

Sit down, please.

Mr. Skinner

In Northern Ireland—

Mr. Speaker

Order. It is an abuse.

Mr. Skinner

In Northern Ireland—

Mr. Speaker

Order. It is an abuse.

Mr. Needham

The hon. Gentleman's question has nothing to do with Northern Ireland.