HC Deb 30 April 1996 vol 276 c897
13. Mr. Luff

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about the proposal from NORCHEM to establish a chemical waste recycling facility at Warndon, Worcester. [25685]

Mr. Clappison

My Department has received 125 representations on that subject.

Mr. Luff

Does my hon. Friend agree that that number of representations shows the depth of anger in my constituency at an unwelcome and totally inappropriate proposal, which has already led to the deselection of the local Labour county councillor who argued for NORCHEM and against the interests of my constituents? Will my hon. Friend do all in his power to ensure that the Environment Agency refuses a licence, and re-examine the city and county council planning procedures that led to this unfortunate situation?

Mr. Clappison

My hon. Friend is correct when he says that there is clearly huge interest in this serious subject among the people of Worcester. My hon. Friend will be aware of the restrictions on me and on the Department in respect of planning cases and the actions of local authorities. I assure my hon. Friend that I will take a particular interest in the matter.

My hon. Friend is right to draw attention to the Environment Agency's powers over waste management, and over licensing in particular. The system is highly acclaimed and those powers will be available in this case, if necessary.