HC Deb 27 May 1977 vol 932 cc723-4W
Dr. Phipps

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many tons of toxic waste have been disposed of on inland sites in each of the last five years.

Mr. Denis Howell

I regret that this information is not available centrally.

Dr. Phipps

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many tons of toxic waste have been disposed of in United Kingdom waters in each of the last five years.

Mr. Denis Howell

Dumping at sea is controlled by the Dumping at Sea Act 1974, operated by the Fisheries Departments. I believe that less than half a million tonnes of industrial waste were dumped in 1976. The figure for the previous four years is unlikely to have been much different. In addition, discharge of trades and sewage effluent are made to both inland and tidal waters. No central record is kept of these discharges.