Mr. Alan Lee Williamsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the level of toxic waste deposited on Rainham marshes prevents the future consideration of residential and commercial developments within the area of disposal; and what is the length of time before the affected land can be disposed of for other purposes after the dumping of radioactive waste under the Radio-Active Substances Act 1960, and the Poisonous Waste Act 1972.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThe low-level radioactive waste that has been proposed for disposal at Rainham would not inhibit any further development of the site. Control of the disposal of toxic wastes which are not radioactive is a matter for waste disposal authorities, in this case the 53W Greater London Council; it would be for that authority to advise on the implications of deposits of this type.
Mr. Alan Lee Williamsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on whether he is satisfied that because of the Christmas holiday the notice given by his Department was sufficient for the London Borough of Havering to give due consideration to the proposal for disposal of radio-active waste on Rainham Marshes.
§ Mr. Denis HowellMy Department has already apologised to the London borough of Havering for the unrealistic time limit within which it was asked to reply.