§ 17. Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD)How many waste incinerators have been built in (a) London and (b) Kent since 1997; and how many others have been approved in (i) London and (ii) Kent since 1997. [174419]
§ The Minister for the Environment and Agri-environment (Mr. Elliot Morley)No waste incinerators have been built in London or Kent since 1997. At Allington, near Maidstone in Kent, an operating permit was granted in September 2003, and planning permission has been obtained for an incinerator. An application for a proposed incinerator at Bexley, south London, was granted a permit in September 2003.
§ Bob RussellI wonder whether the Minister will therefore kindly instruct local authorities in Kent and 1096 London to stop dumping their rubbish in Essex. If they want to incinerate their waste, why do those local authorities not build the incinerators in their area, instead of transporting the waste 60 miles into Essex?
§ Mr. MorleyThat might well be something that authorities consider. There is a strong case for local authorities coming together to provide a strategic approach to waste disposal, which can require consideration of a range of options of which incineration is but one.