§ 69. Dr. MoonieTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many licences were issued for the incineration of toxic waste at sea in 1985, 1986 and 1987; how many such licences have been issued so far in the current year; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonLicences were issued for 24 wastes in 1985 and for 20 wastes in 1986; 14 licences were issued in 1987 and 12 in 1988.
United Kingdom waste has accounted for only about 5 per cent, of the total incinerated at the one, internationally agreed, incineration site in the Dutch sector of the North sea. At the ministerial conference on the North sea in November 1987 all North sea states including the United Kingdom agreed that marine incineration should be substantially reduced, by not less than 65 per cent., by 1 January 1991, and phased out by 31 December 1994. Remaining United Kingdom licensed wastes are therefore being reviewed to identify satisfactory alternative options for disposal of the waste on land.