§ Mr. Robert B. JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much of the extra £5 million capital allocations to enable local authorities to tackle the problems of landfill gas has been taken up.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe £5 million reserve capital allocation is to cover urgent and unforeseen expenditure in 1989–90. None of it has yet been used.
§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many explosions have occurred at landfill gas sites in England and Wales in the past 10 years.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyHer Majesty's inspectorate of pollution has details of three explosions associated with landfill gas over the last three years but does not hold comprehensive records over the past decade.
§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many landfill gas sites have been identified as being currently in existence in England and Wales.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyAll landfills taking putrescible waste may give rise to some landfill gas. Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution estimates that 1,709 landfills in England and Wales accept such waste.
The inspectorate has issued guidance for landfills taking putrescible waste. Licensing of landfills is the responsibility of the waste disposal authorities, who should ensure that suitable conditions are imposed.