§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what representations he has had, and from whom, concerning the new regulations on the disposal of toxic waste; and what response he has given;
(2) if he is satisfied that the new regulations on the disposal of toxic waste will not increase danger to the environment and health; and if he will make a statement;
(3) if he will list all those substances which are at present. notifiable to local authorities but which will no longer be so if the new regulations on the disposal of toxic waste are implemented.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe Department has consulted widely on the new regulations and has received, and acted upon, comments from manufacturing industry, the waste disposal industry, local authorities, environmental organisations and other Government Departments.
The new regulations extend controls over the carriage of the most toxic and hazardous wastes. Controls over disposal through the site licensing system remain unchanged. There is no question of increased hazard to the environment or public health.
In the day-to-day operation of the new system waste producers, if necessary in discussion with local waste disposal authorities, will determine which of their wastes will be special wastes according to the criteria in the new regulations and which will not. Special wastes will be subject to tighter controls in transit than at present and my Department has estimated that they represent about one-third of the total tonnage of currently notifiable wastes.