§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what extra resources he will make available to ensure full monitoring and necessary remedial work to all landfill sites where there is a risk of leachate and ground water pollution.
§ Mr. TrippierUnder the licensing provisions of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 waste disposal authorities already have responsibilities, in consultation with water authorities, now the National Rivers Authority, to ensure that no water pollution is likely to arise from the disposal of waste to land. The costs of meeting any monitoring and remedial works have to be borne within the budgets for operating licensed sites and for the enforcement of statutory responsibilities. No extra resources would appear to be necessary.
§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any plans to introduce legislation in line with the proposals of the European Community draft directive on landfill; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TrippierA draft directive is still in preparation by the Commission, with the aid of expert working groups on which the United Kingdom is represented, but is unlikely to be available until the end of the year for further consideration and negotiation. It is, therefore, too early to say what legislative implications it might have. However, the Commission appears to be basing its proposals upon systems of site licensing to high operational standards, therefore meeting the objectives of the Environmental Protection Bill.