Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list all toxic chemicals held at military bases and military production sites; what are the quantities of such chemicals; and under what environmental regulations they are managed.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonInformation on the type and quantity of toxic chemicals held at military bases and military production sites is not held centrally. The Department is bound by the general duties imposed by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and by regulations made under it. Certain sites that produce noxious or offensive substances are registered with Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution in accordance with the Control of Industrial Air Pollution (Registration of Works) Regulations 1989. Although the MOD is not bound by the provisions of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 or the Water Act 1989, it is a matter of general policy that it will aim to meet standards which are no lower than those in the community at large.