HC Deb 26 May 1976 vol 912 cc243-4W
Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will issue a circular to local authorities asking them to carry out a survey of tips and waste dumping grounds to check for the presence of toxic or dangerous materials such as cyanide.

Mr. Denis Howell

No. A survey of all disused sites would be difficult and disproportionately expensive. It is better to concentrate on known problem sites. Sites which are currently in use will of course be fully controlled by the new licensing system under Part I of the Control of Pollution Act 1974.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many cases of uncontrolled dumping or tipping of dangerous or toxic substances have come to the attention of his Department in the past two years.

Mr. Denis Howell

Comprehensive figures are not available. Specific controls on the disposal of hazardous waste have existed only since 1972. The serious problems which remain are largely the result of disposal activities which took place before them.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what safeguards exist against the unregulated dumping or tipping of dangerous substances such as acids or cyanide.

Mr. Denis Howell

The Deposit of Poisonous Waste Act 1972 prohibits the deposit on land of poisonous, noxious or polluted waste in circumstances liable to give rise to an environmental hazard. Regulations have been laid before Parliament to allow the licensing system for waste disposal sites provided for under the Control of Pollution Act 1974 to take effect on 14th June. Heavy penalties are provided for failure to comply with either Act.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will institute a special inquiry into the dumping of cyanide and sulphuric acid at Ravenfield quarry in South Yorkshire.

Mr. Denis Howell

No. The problems created by the disposal of hazardous waste at this site arise from the use of Ravenfield quarry between 1958 and 1971. The county council is doing all that it can to determine the size of the problem and assess what further action needs to be taken. I do not think that a special inquiry would add to our knowledge in this case; the important thing is to ensure that such dumpings do not occur again.