§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the potential use of salt mine workings for toxic waste disposal. [154758]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Government have set out a policy and planning framework, in Waste Strategy 2000 and Planning Policy Guidance Note 10 Planning and Waste Management, which is concerned with reducing the amount of waste produced and where waste is produced, for dealing with in a way that supports sustainable development. Proposals for waste management facilities should be developed and considered within that framework. The criteria and procedures for the acceptance of waste are set out in the Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC) and the associated Council decision (2003/33/EC), including those applicable to underground waste disposal sites such as salt mine workings.