HC Deb 24 October 1984 vol 65 c634W
Mr. Wareing

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment at which locations in the United Kingdom the incineration of polychlorinated biphenyl is carried out; what controls are exercised over the process; if he is satisfied that adequate precautions are being taken against possible health risks; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

Polychlorinated biphenyls are incinerated in the United Kingdom at the Cleanaway Ltd. plant at Ellesmere Port in Cheshire and the Re-Chem International plant at Pontypool in Gwent. The sites are licensed under the Control of Pollution Act 1974 by the local Waste Disposal Authority; the plants are required to operate according to the best practicable means defined by Her Majesty's industrial air pollution inspectorate of the Health and Safety Executive which monitors emissions to atmosphere; the HSE also implement the relevant provisions of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974; discharges of liquid effluent are controlled by the respective water authority; the plants are also subject to planning controls, and the statutory nuisance provisions of the Public Health Acts. Both facilities have been visited by my Department's hazardous wastes inspectorate. I understand that there is no substantial evidence of any public health risk arising.