§ Mr. LevittTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of safeguards on the disposal of mining waste. [75345]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThe effectiveness of safeguards on the disposal of mining waste is kept under review by the Health and Safety Commission in respect of stability and safety, by the Environment Agency in respect of pollution aspects, and by the monitoring of planning permissions by local authorities. The comprehensive framework of UK legislation which deals with location, stability and safety, and the pollution potential of tips and related structures, has ensured that very few problems have arisen in recent years.
§ Mr. LevittTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to change the rules on the disposal of inert mining waste. [75346]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThere are no plans at present to change the rules for the disposal of inert mining waste. There are, however, proposals for new quarries health and safety regulations which will include safety and stability of tips. These would not lead to any diminution of health and safety standards at quarries.