§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what studies he has made of the use of refuse in high-density baling for coastal defence work and land reclamation.
§ Mr. CurryMy Department has not carried out any studies on the use of high-density baled refuse for these purposes. We support adoption of new techniques that offer improved protection, lower costs or both. However, at first sight there seems to be some question as to the suitability of such material for coastal defence work. For example, there is a possibility of microbiological activity within the bale which could lead to voids being created and a reduction in the density of the bale, which in turn would put in question the structural integrity of the defence. Further, possible leaching of harmful substances from such bales could cause pollution in a marine environment.