§ Mr. Hancockasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions have taken place regarding the dumping at sea of waste material excavated from the site known as the Glory Hole at Eastleigh, Portsmouth; and how his Department ensures that no danger can occur to marine life or the environment.
§ Mr. MacGregorMy Department received in April 1984 an application to dump at sea material to be excavated from the site known as the Glory Hole at Eastney, Portsmouth. The applicant was informed in July 1984 that a licence would not be granted. At the same time he was asked whether he wished to discuss the matter with officials but this offer has not so far been taken up. In the meantime the city of Portsmouth planning department have indicated that it would wish to be present at any such meeting.
In considering dumping at sea licence applications my Directorate of Fisheries Research provides scientific advice on the likely implications for the marine environment and the living resources it supports.
§ Mr. Hancockasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his Department's present policy with regard to the dumping of waste material at sea; and what guidelines are published.
§ Mr. MacGregorMy Department's policy on sea dumping is governed by the requirement of the Dumping at Sea Act 1974, also contained in part II of the Food and Environment Protection Bill now before Parliament, whereby the licensing authority has to have regard to the need to protect the marine environment and its living resources from any adverse consequences of dumping operations. Full account is taken of the provision of, and of the decisions arising from, the Oslo and London dumping conventions and of scientific advice provided by my Directorate of Fisheries Research. Before dumping licences are granted for applications which satisfy these requirements, consideration is given as to whether sea dumping represents the best practicable environmental option for the wastes concerned.
Dumping licences vary considerably and each application has to be considered individually on its merits in the light of the relevant legislation and international considerations. Guidelines are, however, provided by the relevant annexes of the Oslo and London conventions.