Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment under what regulations 2,000 tonnes of the toxic waste from Denmark were ordered to be shipped out of the port of Briton Ferry, West Glamorgan, on 23 September; when and in what way Her Majesty's pollution inspectorate was informed of the nature of the waste rejected at Briton Ferry; and on how many occasions since 1 September consignments of imported wastes, once having docked at ports in England and Wales have subsequently been rejected.
§ Mrs. Virginia Bottomley[holding answer 28 October 1988]: I understand that the port of Briton Ferry is licensed under the Control of Pollution Act 1974 by Neath borough council as a transfer station. The waste referred to was considered by the council, on analysis, to be outside the terms of the licence. It ordered the removal of the waste, which is being sent to a facility licensed to deal with it. Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution was kept informed.
I am not aware of any occasion since 1 September 1988 when a shipment of waste, having docked, has been rejected.