HC Deb 11 April 1978 vol 947 cc355-6W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, whether Re-Chem International has a licence to dispose of United States of America insecticide Kepone in the United Kingdom; and when and by whom it was granted.

Mr. Shore

I understand that the company was granted a licence under the Control of Pollution Act by Hampshire County Council on 8th February 1977 for its plant at Fawley and by Torfaen Borough Council on 25th July 1977 for its waste treatment plant at Pontypool. The terms of both licences permit the incineration of Kepone.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the health hazards associated with the insecticide Kepone.

Mr. Shore

Significant exposure to the substance may give rise to disorders affecting the nervous system, liver, kidneys and testes.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has any information why the Allied Chemical Corporation should desire to dispose of the United States insecticide Kepone in the United Kingdom rather than in the United States of America, where it was produced.

Mr. Shore

I am informed that it is unlikely that there are any commercially available incinerators in the United States with adequate capacity to burn the waste inside the drums in which it is stored, and so avoid the need for human contact with the material.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment in what manner Kepone may be safely disposed of without creating a health hazard.

Mr. Shore

Incineration at a high temperature destroys Kepone and leaves a harmless residue of carbon dioxide, water vapour and common salt.

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