§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what consent has been granted for the dumping of toxic waste 8 miles off the south coast; how many objections have been received; and who was consulted beforehand;
(2) what consideration his Department gave to the proposal to dump toxic waste 8 miles off the south coast of England; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThere is only one existing licence under the Dumping at Sea Act 1974 to dispose of industrial waste some 8 miles off the south coast. This dates back to the introduction of statutory licensing arrangements.
I am currently considering a further application for a licence to dump industrial waste off the south coast. As this waste contains very small quantities of certain substances listed in annex I of the Oslo convention on sea dumping, it has been necessary to consult our convention partners. No final decision has yet been taken on this application or, if it is granted, on the disposal site.