§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what information he has on former industrial land in inner city areas being heavily contaminated with chemicals and toxic metals; how many areas have been so identified and where; what action he proposes to take to give such land remedial treatment; and if he is satisfied that such land poses no health problem; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what action he proposes to ensure that land required for playgrounds for children is safe fro mindustrial contamination.
§ Mr. FoxResponsibility for identifying, and if necessary dealing with, land contamination rests with local authorities. The activities of my Department in providing advice and developing general 477W guidance are described in the recent report of the interdepartmental committee on the redevelopment of contaminated land—I am sending the hon. Member a copy.