HL Deb 31 July 1986 vol 479 cc1093-4WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Hazardous Wastes Inspectorate is responsible for monitoring the disposal of all hazardous waste, including that disposed of at sea, and whether they are satisfied that statutory conditions for the disposal of such waste are being observed.

The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (Lord Elton)

The terms of reference of the Hazardous Wastes Inspectorate require them to examine,the management of hazardous waste at all its stages from the point of arising to that of final disposal".

In the case of marine disposal this will include the land-based terminal, but the Food & Environment Protection Act 1985 lays responsibility for the actual licensing of marine disposal (and, in consequence, for monitoring) on the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The Inspectorate's first two reports (the second published on 21st July 1986) comment on the conditions imposed by waste disposal authorities on waste disposal site licences and point out the need for higher and more uniform standards.