§ Mr. Kenneth Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps his Department has taken to investigate the dumping of almost 1,000 gallons of zinc-contaminated nitric acid in a wood at Whitnall, Nottinghamshire, on or about 1st December 1970; and whether he is satisfied that there is no danger of pollution of streams, rivers and domestic water supplies in the area.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineInquiries have been made of the waste disposal contractors concerned and of the river authority. My information is that emergency action was taken to off-load the material in transit following discovery of a leakage from a suspected fracture in the rear-door retainer of the custom-built disposal vehicle 305W Action was taken to apply lime neutraliser to the soil which was then removed by the contractors to authorised tips. The river authority are satisfied that there is now no risk of pollution of underground water supplies or of rivers in the area and I have no reason to doubt their assessment of the situation. I understand the police authorities have been informed.