HC Deb 13 December 1979 vol 975 cc773-5W
Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied that no phenolic or dioxin poison is leaking into Ogston reservoir, Derbyshire.

Mr. Raymond Ellis

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he is satisfied that there is no possibility of phenolic or dioxin or other pollution of the water supply in the Morton area:

(2) if he is satisfied that no polluted water has been pumped into streams, and thus the water table, in the Morton area.

Mr. Fox

Yes; on the basis of advice from the regional water authorities concerned.

Mr. Raymond Ellis

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will establish an inspectorate to monitor the tipping of toxic and hazardous wastes;

(2) if he is satisfied that the system of regulation and licensing of the tipping of toxic and hazardous waste in the United Kingdom is adequate, and that the legislation is complied with adequately.

Mr. Fox

The Deposit of Poisonous Waste Act 1972 and the Control of Pollution Act 1974 provide a comprehensive system of control. There is no evidence to suggest that it is not working adequately.

Mr. Raymond Ellis

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether any radio-active waste has been tipped at, or in the vicinity of, Morton.

Mr. Fox

No.

Mr. Raymond Ellis

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether hazardous waste of any nature is imported into the United Kingdom to be dumped at, or in the vicinity of, Morton;

(2) which toxic wastes have been dumped at Morton; and where they came from.

Mr. Fox

I do not have this information. The types and quantities of waste are governed by the terms of the disposal licence granted by Derbyshire county council, regardless of their origin.

Mr. Raymond Ellis

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied that Derbyshire county council has fulfilled its obligations under the Control of Pollution Act and planning legislation in relation to the toxic waste tips in North-East Derbyshire.

Mr. Fox

On the evidence available to me I am satisfied that the county council is fulfilling its obligations under the Control of Pollution Act and planning legislation; however I understand that the Local Commissioner for Administration is at present considering several matters in relation to a waste disposal site at Morton Road, Stretton.

Mr. Raymond Ellis

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make an order prohibiting tipping at Morton and providing for the sealing-off of the area.

Mr. Fox

No.

Mr. Raymond Ellis

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied that the conditions of the licence for the tipping of hazardous, toxic waste at Morton have not been broken.

Mr. Fox

It is for Derbyshire county council, as waste disposal authority, to enforce licence conditions.

Mr. Raymond Ellis

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether dioxin waste has been dumped at, or in the vicinity of, Morton; and if so when, where, how much and where it came from.

Mr. Fox

I do not have this information.