HC Deb 01 May 1985 vol 78 cc144-5W
Mrs. Clwyd

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps his Department is taking to advise all owners of old factories, offices and similar sites that asbestos should be checked for before demolition is authorised, under section 4 of the Control of Pollution (Special Waste) Regulations 1980.

Mr. Waldegrave

The responsibility for enforcing health and safety legislation in relation to demolition work lies with the Health and Safety Executive and the local environmental health authorities. The HSE has issued several guidance notes on health and safety in demolition work, and these contain specific advice on the need to establish whether or not asbestos is present, and its extent both before and during demolition.

The Department's booklet entitled "Asbestos materials in Buildings" includes reference to the Control of Pollution (Special Wastes) Regulations, which are enforced by the local waste disposal authorities. Specific advice on the operation of each of these regulations is contained in my Department's circular 4/81, and detailed guidance is given out in "Waste Management Paper No. 23" to enable producers to establish whether particular wastes arising are subject to the regulations.

Mrs. Clwyd

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps his Department is taking to ensure that sections 5 and 6 of the Control of Pollution (Special Wastes) Regulations 1980 are carried out.

Mr. Waldegrave

It is for local authorities, as waste disposal authorities, to ensure compliance with these regulations. The Department has issued circular 4/81 giving guidance on their implementation, and the Department's Hazardous Waste Inspectorate looks into the operation of these controls when visiting local authorities and individual disposal sites.

Mrs. Clwyd

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many prosecutions have been instigated for failure to comply with the Control of Pollution (Special Wastes) Regulations 1980; and how many were successful.

Mr. Waldegrave

Information of prosecutions for failure to comply with these regulations is available only for 1982 and 1983, when seven of the eight prosecutions were successful.