§ Mr. Silkinasked the Paymaster General whether, in the light of the recent discharges in the Rhine of certain toxic chemicals, he is satisfied that the arrangements for the 277W storage of similar toxic chemicals in the United Kingdom are adequate and that there is no danger in the United Kingdom of a similar environmental disaster.
§ Mr. TrippierWhile we should not be complacent about the risk of a major accident, I am satisfied that controls are in force in this country which will reduce so far as possible the chance of an environmental accident of this type.
The Control of Industrial Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1984 provide controls which are aimed at the prevention of major accidents arising from industrial activities and the limitation of the effects of such accidents on man and the environment.
We are awaiting more precise details of the Rhine accident and the United Kingdom will of course take account of any special lessons which are to be learnt.