HC Deb 08 February 1988 vol 127 c24W
Mr. Wilson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the firms licensed to import toxic chemical waste materials into the United Kingdom.

Mr. Moynihan

Imports of special waste are subject to the same controls as indigenous waste and must be disposed of at a licensed facility. No import licence is necessary.

Mr. Wilson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what were the quantities of toxic chemical waste imported to Britain in each of the past 10 years; and what were their countries of origin.

Mr. Moynihan

No records are held centrally of imports of waste imported into the United Kingdom. The amounts of special waste imported each year between 1983 and 1986 are as follows:

Year Amount
1983 14,824
1984 5,000
1985 24,548
1986 53,000

Full details of countries or origin are not available, but major sources are Netherlands, Irish Republic and Belgium.