§ Mrs. Rosie BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps his Department has taken to oblige the dumpers of chemical waste to prove its safety before dumping is permitted.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-Amory[holding answer 9 March 1990]: Under the Control of Pollution Act 1974, chemical waste must be disposed of to suitably licensed, Iand-based facilities. In granting the licence, the waste disposal authority must be satisfied that the proposed activities will 106W not endanger public health or pollute water. Disposals of wastes at sea are licensed by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food only where there are suitable land-based facilities, and where the materials involved will not have an adverse effect upon the marine environment.