HC Deb 01 December 1986 vol 106 c525W
Mr. Maclennan

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what controls he exercises over the emission in gas flaring of carcinogens and other substances inimical to human health.

Mr. Waldegrave

Works operating land-based flaring systems on processing plant to dispose of hydrocarbon gases are required, under section 5 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, to render the flares harmless and inoffensive when emitted into the atmosphere. These works come under the direct control of Her Majesty's industrial air pollution inspectorate in England and Wales and of Her Majesty's industrial pollution inspectorate in Scotland, with whom they must be registered annually.