§ Mr. Laurance Reedasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give details of the voluntary arrangements made by his Department for the disposal of domestic and trade wastes outside the territorial sea; and what aspects of these arrangements are currently under review.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartMy Department operates voluntary arrangements whereby firms and other organisations wishing to dump waste at sea outside the three mile territorial limit seek our advice and agreement on methods and areas of disposal. Applications are considered by the Ministry's scientists and Sea Fisheries Inspectorate. In assessing applications, care is taken to avoid harm to fisheries and the marine environment. The substances concerned are considered in relation to such factors as their toxicity and persistence. Disposal areas are selected to provide suitable dilution and dispersion. For certain toxic wastes the Ministry recommends that they be enclosed in sealed containers and dumped in deep water beyond the396W edge of the Continental Shelf. Other wastes, in sludge or liquid form, can safely be disposed of in shallower waters. Improvements in the administrative aspects of the arrangements are under review.
§ Mr. Laurance Reedasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will consult with the Hydrographer of the Navy about the areas selected for the disposal of domestic and trade wastes within British continental shelf areas.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartMy Department's Fisheries Research Laboratory includes a hydrographic section with specialist knowledge of current and dispersal systems and I am satisfied that they have the expert knowledge to advise on the disposal of waste at sea under the voluntary arrangements which operate outside the territorial limit.