HC Deb 25 January 1984 vol 52 cc617-8W
Mr. Terlezki

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if Her Majesty's Government will take steps to encourage the introduction by local authorities of incinerators, and alternative means of disposal of refuse, including providing central heating for schools, hospitals and old people's homes.

Mr. Waldegrave

We will continue to encourage the consideration by local authorities of alternative methods of waste treatment and disposal, and their adoption where they provide an economically viable, reliable and environmentally acceptable option. In particular, my Department has provided financial and technical assistance for the development of mechanical separation plants at Doncaster and Newcastle. These plants produce a waste derived fuel from domestic and commercial waste for energy recovery which, in the case of Newcastle, services a district heating scheme. We hope to publish advice on the development of this technology in March.