§ Mr. BellinghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the decision by South Yorkshire waste disposal joint committee to close its 367W hazardous waste unit, he proposes to exercise his powers under section 31 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
§ Mr. BaldryHer Majesty's inspectorate of pollution expects to submit a report to the Secretary of State shortly on the arrangements for waste regulation in South Yorkshire. My right hon. Friend will wish to consider this carefully before deciding whether it would be appropriate to use his powers under section 10 of the Local Government Act 1985 to set up a metropolitan waste authority for the area. He has no intention at this stage of using his powers under section 31 of the Environmental Protection Act to set up a regional waste authority.