HL Deb 06 November 1989 vol 512 cc533-4WA
Earl Haig

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the escape of a moth-proofing chemical agent from a textile factory in Galashiels, recently reported by the BBC, has been contained and whether, in view of the fact that a similar incident took place two years ago with serious effects on the fish, bird and fly life, any steps have been taken to impose a fine in order to prevent a recurrence.

The Minister of State, Scottish Office (Lord Sanderson of Bowden)

The release of around three gallons of moth-proofing agent from the premises concerned, on 5th October, was promptly reported, enabling Borders Regional Council to isolate the material in tanks at Galashiels sewage treatment works. The passage of time and treatment will render

A Summary table of disagreement between the two Houses in each of the parliamentary sessions for 1974 to 1989 (to date), including details of where (a) the House of Lords accepted the reversal of their amendments in the House of Commons or (b) the House of Lords insisted on their amendments is given below: —
Session Bill Nature of Disagreement
1974 None
1974/75 Social Security (Amendment) Several amendments disagreed to Not insisted on
Air Travel Reserve Fund 1 amendment disagreed to Not insisted on
Coal Industry 1 amendment disagreed to Not insisted on
Community Land Several amendments disagreed to Not insisted on
Employment Protection Several amendments disagreed to Not insisted on
Housing Rents and Subsidies Several amendments disagreed to Not insisted on
Local Government (Scotland) 1 amendment disagreed to Not insisted on
Housing Finance (Special Provisions) Several amendments disagreed to Not insisted on
Offshore Petroleum Development (Scotland) Several amendments disagreed to Not insisted on

it safe for discharge to the river. The action taken has averted serious damage both to the sewage treatment works and to the River Tweed. The question of any legal proceedings is a matter for the proper authority but it should be emphasised that the locally organised contingency plan worked very well and avoided the potentially grave consequences of this incident.