§ 33. Mr. Hal Millerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the extent of the powers available to local authorities to control tipping and the use made of them; and, in particular, in view of the frequent cases of abuse, if he will withdraw the general development order which allows tipping of topsoil on agricultural land without permission or the opportunity to impose conditions.
§ Mr. Denis HowellYes. The deposit of hazardous wastes has to be notified to waste disposal authorities under the Deposit of Poisonous Waste Act 1972, and the licensing provisions of the Control of Pollution Act will provide additional powers. Planning controls also operate. Tipping permitted by the General Development Order may be made subject to control by directions which local planning authorities are empowered to make, with my right hon. Friend's approval, under Article 4 of the order.