§ Mr. McCrindleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to tighten controls over the emission of methane and other gases from waste tips; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoynihanThe Government put forward a number of proposals for strengthening the regulation of waste disposal in a consultation paper in September 1986. These proposals include empowering local authorities to require continuing precautions at waste disposal sites until they are safe. An announcement will be made shortly about the Government's decisions on these proposals.
An urgent survey by Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution to establish the extent of the landfill gas problem is currently in hand. When that exercise is complete, the Government will consider whether further measures are necessary.