HC Deb 17 March 1976 vol 907 cc568-9W
62. Mr. Goodhew

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will carry out a national survey to revalue the national and regional needs as to quantities and qualities of dangerous waste for disposal.

Mr. Denis Howell

No. Section 2 of the Control of Pollution Act will, when implemented, impose a duty on waste disposal authorities to conduct a survey of the controlled waste in their areas and to decide what arrangements are needed for its disposal. The Act provides for the authorities to co-ordinate their plans where waste arising in one county can most advantageously be disposed of in another.

Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the change in the market for salvageable material since the issue of the publication "The Disposal of Awkward Household Wastes and War on Waste"; and if he will now offer further advice to local authorities on the beneficial disposal of waste in the light of any charges in the market for salvageable material.

Mr. Oakes

Demand for salvageable material has inevitably been affected by the economic recession, but there are now signs of an up-turn. Local authorities are well aware of the importance of reclaiming waste where this can be done economically. We shall be giving them specialist advice to help them to take advantage of any opportunities open to them wherever this seems likely to be useful.