§ Mr. Hodgsonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what steps he is taking to encourage private investment in modern waste disposal facilities;
418W(2) what part the provision of proper waste disposal plays in the Government's industrial strategy; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MarksThe Government recognise that adequate disposal facilities for industrial waste are essential to their industrial strategy. The private sector has a vital role to play and Waste Management Paper No. 5, issued by the Department, gives detailed guidance on the opportunities for collaboration between the public and private sectors.
§ Mr. Hodgsonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy with regard to the disposal of notifiable waste underground; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MarksAll disposal sites used for domestic, commercial or industrial waste are now subject to licensing under Sections 3–11 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974. It is for each waste disposal authority, in consultation with the water authority concerned, to decide the range of wastes which may be disposed of at any particular site.
§ Mr. Hodgsonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether any adverse consequences have been reported as a result of the disposal of notifiable wastes underground at sites in the United Kingdom which have planning and all other requisite consents.
§ Mr. MarksAn explosion occurred in September 1970 at a disused mineshaft at Walsall Wood near Birmingham, causing structural damage to the building covering the shaft. This incident, of course, occurred before the introduction of waste disposal site licensing under the Control of Pollution Act 1974.