HC Deb 22 November 1977 vol 939 cc633-4W
Mr. Channon

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment in view of the fact that under present legislation local authorities have no power to recover from site operators or users any costs of supervising the operation of waste disposal sites, if he intends to bring forward amending legislation.

Sir Bernard Braine

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will introduce legislation to seek to ensure that local authorities have the power to receive from site operators or users the cost o, supervising the operation of sites for the disposal of toxic waste.

Mr. Marks

I do not consider that it would be sensible to attempt to transfer these costs to site operators or users.

Sir Bernard Braine

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has had about the growing practice of dumping toxic waste in Essex originating in other countries which have not yet provided adequate disposal facilities; and whether he will now bring into operation Sections 1 and 2 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974.

Mr. Channon

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends to bring into operation Sections 1 and 2 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 dealing with the preparation of waste disposal plans.

Mr. Marks

My right hon. Friend has received representations from Essex County Council indicating its continued concern about the volume of wastes being sent for disposal to sites in its county, although its letter makes it clear that the amount is less than had earlier been estimated. My hon. Friend the Member for Basildon (Mr. Moonman) has written to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on the same subject.

After consultation with the local authority associations it has been decided to implement Section 2 of the Control of Pollution Act in England and Wales with effect from 1st July 1978. We shall now be exploring with the associations the date at which we might aim to implement Section 1.