HC Deb 23 June 1988 vol 135 cc689-90W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list those local authorities which have approached his Department in the last 12 months seeking advice on the importation of household waste from overseas.

Mr. MacGregor

The following local authorities have made approaches to my Department on this matter in the last 12 months:—

  • Cheshire county council
  • Warrington borough council
  • Humberside county council.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment is available to him about the hazards to human health, animal and plant life from the importation of domestic refuse from other countries; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. MacGregor

It is not possible to make a general assessment since the animal health and plant life implications would have to be considered in relation to specific proposals taking into account the disease situation in the country concerned. The human health implications are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services.