HC Deb 17 April 1978 vol 948 cc35-6W
Mr. Edge

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what powers his Department has to ban the import of toxic waste into the United Kingdom.

Mr. John Grant

My right hon. Friend has powers to make regulations under Section 15 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 prohibiting the importation into the United Kingdom or the landing or unloading there of articles or substances of any specified description. Such substances could include toxic waste. Normally he would expect to exercise those powers so as to give effect, with or without modification, to proposals from the Health and Safety Commission.