HC Deb 02 May 1973 vol 855 cc313-5W
30. Mr. Oakes

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has received the report of the Harwell survey, to which his Department contributed assistance, on waste disposal in the mid-Mersey valley; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

My Department has received a copy of the preliminary survey carried out by the Harwell Hazardous Wastes Service on behalf of the Working Party on the Disposal of Waste in the Upper Mersey Valley. The survey was limited to an assessment of the current situation and includes an estimate of the industrial wastes arising, their nature and present methods of disposal. The survey is a valuable piece of work, not least because it demonstrates the importance of a co-operative attitude on the part of the public authorities and industry in analysing the problems involved in achieving a satisfactory waste disposal policy.

Mr. Oakes

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce further legislation to provide for the control and inspection of private tips by county councils.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

My Department is currently consulting the local authority associations and other interested bodies on proposals for further legislation in the waste disposal field which it is hoped to introduce during the lifetime of this Parliament. One of the proposals is to give the new county councils in England and the new enlarged district councils to be established in Scotland and Wales powers to license and regulate the operation of all waste disposal sites.

Mr. Oakes

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will establish an advisory service on industrial waste disposal at his Department.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

The proper disposal of industrial wastes is primarily a task for industry itself, though the local waste disposal authorities are likely to be increasingly concerned to ensure that suitable facilities are provided, and that disposal operations are properly conducted. Officers of my Department are ready to advise on general issues; and in addition the Hazardous Wastes Service at Harwell is able to advise and assist on specific problems involving the more difficult or toxic wastes.

Mr. Oakes

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many successful prosecutions there have been in England and Wales under the Disposal of Poisonous Wastes Act 1972; and what has been the average fine imposed.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

Statistics relating to Great Britain for 1972 have not yet been collated, but I am aware of one successful prosecution under Section 1 of the Act resulting in fines of £150 and £50 for each of the offenders; there has also been a recent conviction which has now gone to appeal. There has been a marked reduction in the number of reported dumping incidents since the passage of the Act containing, as it does, severe deterrent penalties.

Mr. Oakes

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek to set up a working party with industrial and local authorities to investigate the separation of hazardous waste from general industrial waste and methods of rendering innocuous hazardous wastes.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

Two informal working groups are in the process of being established by my Department to consider detailed aspects of legislation in the waste disposal field which is currently the subject of consultation with local authority associations and other interested bodies. One working group will have the following terms of referenceto consider the Department's proposals for new legislation in the waste disposal field, with particular regard to the special authorisation procedure for the more difficult wastes, to advise the Department as appropriate on these matters, to define the categories of difficult wastes more closely and to prepare guidance for all concerned on the appropriate means of disposal for such wastes".

The Department's chief adviser on toxic waste disposal will be the chairman of this group which will include representatives of the local authority associations, industry and relevant professional institutions.