§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the present powers of the Health and Safety Executive with regard to dealing with the dumping and tipping of toxic waste materials, including clinical waste, in places where they could become a health hazard.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergI am satisfied with the powers available. Implementation of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 rests however with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment. Copies of the guidance document recently produced by the Health and Safety Executive on the safe disposal of clinical waste are in the House of Commons Library.
The disposal of household, commercial and industrial waste, including toxic waste, is controlled under part I of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 and is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.