§ Mr. BaldryTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has for legislation to fulfil the remit given to Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution in the action plan following the "Scrutiny Report Inspecting Industry: Pollution and Safety" to develop an integrated approach to pollution control.
§ Mr. RidleyI have today issued a consultation paper which sets out proposals for a new statutory framework which gives expression to the cross-media approach to pollution control which underlay the creation of HMIP in April 1987. They also reflect the concept of "best practicable environmental option" developed by the Royal Commission on environmental pollution, notably in its fifth and 12th reports. The Government will take account of views expressed during consultations before reaching conclusions on these proposals.