HC Deb 11 July 1988 vol 137 cc18-9W
Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will strengthen the inspectorate of pollution in Wales; and how many of the inspectorate are based in(a) Wales, (b) north Wales and (c) north-west England.

Mr. Grist

The staffing of the inspectorate is kept under continuous review. At present one controlled waste inspector based in Cardiff covers the whole of Wales. The question of cover for the north-west of England is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.

Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the number of times in 1987 and 1988 when the pollution inspectorate visited the Dark lane/Chapel lane tipping site at Rosseth up to and including 1 July; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Grist

Two visits were made during 1987 and there have been two during 1988 the more recent of which took place on 24 June. Additionally the sites have been subject to surveillance on a number of occasions.

Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will furnish local residents with full documentation instancing their rights concerning the tipping of contaminated soils and other dangerous substances in the Rosseth locality; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Grist

It is the duty of Wrexham Maelor borough council, as waste disposal authority, to ensure that licensed waste disposal operations in its area do not cause pollution of water, danger to public health of become seriously detrimental to the amenities of the locality.

Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement concerning his policy on the importation of contaminated soils and dangerous substances into Wales from abroad and from within the United Kingdom.

Mr. Grist

The Government believe that the provision of waste disposal services is a legitimate and proper element of domestic and international trade provided that adequate safeguards are in existence to ensure that there is no danger to public health or the environment.

Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish details of the ownerships of the tipping site near Chapel lane, Rosseth, Clwyd; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Grist

Responsibility for licensing these sites rests with the Wrexham Maelor borough council to which I would refer the hon. Gentleman for the information.

Forward to