§ Mr. Joplingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what specific monitoring of the environment he carries out to check the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls, particularly in fresh water and coastal waters;
(2) what are the maximum tolerable incidences of polychlorinated biphenyls in the atmosphere and water; and what are the maximum levels of these substances in the environment which have been made known to him in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Joplingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he takes to ensure that lubricating oils containing polychlorinated biphenyls, together with other articles such as strip lights which also contain these substances, are disposed of after use in a way that prevents them from passing into the environment in a form which might eventually cause them to be taken up by animals, fish and human beings.
§ Mr. MarksThe licensing system for waste disposal sites introduced earlier this year under the Control of Pollution Act 1974 gives waste disposal authorities in England and Wales wide powers to ensure that all controlled wastes, including wastes which contain polychlorinated biphenyls, are disposed of safely. Disposal of such wastes without a licence or in breach of licence conditions is subject to substantial penalties. Further controls are provided by the Deposit of Poisonous Waste Act 1972. My Department has published detailed guidance, include a code of practice, on the handling and disposal of polychlorinated biphenyl waste.