Tip Sites (Waste)

HC Deb 17 December 1984 vol 70 cc15-6W

Mr. Hancock

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will hold a public inquiry into the excavation, transfer and dumping of waste material from the former tip known as the Glory Hole at Eastney, Portsmouth.

Mr. Waldegrave

My right hon. Friend sees no occasion for doing this.

Mr. Hancock

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what responsibility his Department has to ensure that the excavation of former tip sites is carried out safely; and what guidelines exist for the excavation, transfer and dumping of waste from such sites which may or may not be toxic.

Mr. Waldegrave

My Department has no direct responsibility for the excavation of former tip sites. The issues arising are primarily ones for the local authorities or, in the case of the safety of the workers engaged in the excavation, the Health and Safety Executive. Advice on problems relating to the redevelopment of contaminated land is available from the Department through the interdepartmental committee on the redevelopment of contaminated land. Further advice on the practical aspects

£ million
	1977–78	1978–79	1979–80	1980–81	1981–82	1982–83	1983–84	1984–85
Needs and resources element	3.289	3.730	4.951	5.944	0.052	—	—	—
Block grant	—	—	—	—	1.254	1.421	1.410	1.397
Relevant specific grants	0.200	0.235	0.279	0.237	0.348	0.501	0.618	0.863
Non-relevant specific grants	0.135	0.078	0.139	0.592	n.a.
Amount raised from Rugby domestic ratepayers	..	..	..	..	6.9	7.6	7.4	7.9
.. Not readily available.

Notes:

1. Based on returns from Rugby borough council. 1981–82–1983–84 outturn, 1984–85 budgets.

2. Domestic rates raised are based on Rugby borough council local rate and Warwickshire county council precept, net of domestic rate relief grant (which has also been excluded from the grants shown in the table) and rate rebates.

3. The grants shown are those readily available and do not form a complete list.

Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much funding has been provided to Rugby borough council under the housing improvement of waste disposal is provided by the Department through its publication of waste management papers and through ad hoc guidance.