§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will make it his policy to ensure that Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution will have(a) a Wales regional office in Cardiff, (b) a Wales development office in North Wales and (c) five Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution members serving in Wales; and if he will make a statement;
(2) where, and how many, inspectors of Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution are based in Wales; and if he will make a statement;
(3) if he will give the details of the proposed reorganisation of Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution in England and Wales, indicating where the main office which will serve Wales will be located; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Grist[holding answer 21 April 1989]: Proposals are being developed for the reorganisation of Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution in England and Wales in order to integrate its responsibilities for air pollution control, radioactive substances, water pollution and other wastes on a regionalised basis. Three regions are proposed to cover the north, south-east and south-west: Wales will come within the south-west region. The existing air district offices will be retained as outstations for the time being. There will continue to be a permanent office in Cardiff.
Six Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution inspectors are based in Wales. In addition, three of the inspectors in the Chester office spend part of their time inspecting premises in north Wales. Consultations with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment are in progress on detailed working arrangements for Wales, including the deployment of inspecting staff.