§ Mr. Edgeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what research his Department has conducted in the field of toxic waste disposal.
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§ Mr. MarksA large-scale research programme was initiated by the Department in 1973 into the disposal of waste as landfill with special reference to toxic wastes. The report on this research, which was undertaken jointly by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell, the Water Research Centre and the Natural Environment Research Council's Institute of Geological Sciences, will be published soon. I shall arrange for a copy to be placed in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. Edgeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will establish a committee of inquiry to examine the safety aspects of the current methods and techniques of toxic waste disposal.
§ Mr. MarksExpert committees, including both official and independent members, have already advised on the safe disposal of a wide range of toxic wastes. Copies of their reports, published in this Department's series of waste management papers, have been placed in the Library of the House. Reports on some other toxic wastes are expected within the next 12 months.
§ Mr. Edgeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many licences have been granted in the West Midlands County Council area for poisonous waste disposal; and how many indictments and convictions there have been under Parts I and II of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 in this area.
§ Mr. MarksSixty-nine licences have so far been granted, but not all of these would necessarily cover toxic waste. There have been no proceedings under the Control of Pollution Act 1974 in the area.