HC Deb 09 February 1989 vol 146 c808W
Mr. Robin Cook

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he proposes to take against the company Specialist Waste Management; and if he will require health authorities to instigate an investigation into the clinical waste disposal practices of the contractors they are using.

Mr. Mellor

Health authorities are responsible for the arrangements to dispose of their clinical waste and any action that needs to be taken against a waste disposal contractor is a matter for the contracting health authority.

We believe that such waste should be incinerated and we understand that the contract between Riverside HA and Specialist Waste Management required the contractor to incinerate its clinical waste. The contract has been terminated.