HC Deb 29 March 1983 vol 40 cc95-6W
Mr. John Evans

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied that materials currently being dumped on Colliers tip, Rixton, Warrington, can be securely and safely deposited there and that there is no present or future risk to human health or to the environment of the area.

Mr. Macfarlane

Waste disposal sites must be licensed under the Control of Pollution Act 1974, and it is the responsibility of the county council to frame the licence and see that it is complied with. There are also controls on the movement of particularly hazardous waste, and recording its deposit, under the Control of Pollution (Special Wastes) Regulations 1980, whose enforcement also falls to the county council. In addition, operations on a site are subject to the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

Mr. John Evans

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to ensure that no radioactive material is or is likely to be dumped on the Old Hall tip, Rixton, Warrington; and if he is satisfied that the present tipping arrangements are safe and are being carried out satisfactorily.

Mr. Macfarlane

A proposal to dispose of low-level radioactive waste to the Old Hall tip, Rixton, has been the subject of informal discussions between my Department and the local and water authorities for the area. Before any authorisation were given, the Department would consult them formally. The site is also licensed by the Cheshire county council under the Control of Pollution Act 1974 and it is the council's duty to ensure that the site is operated in accordance with the terms of that licence.