HC Deb 18 December 1990 vol 183 cc116-7W
Mr. Pawsey

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what arrangements he is making to ensure proper liaison between the various regulatory bodies involved in the control of those processes covered by integrated pollution control.

Mr. Lofthouse

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he has taken to satisfy himself that the division of responsibility between Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution and the National Rivers Authority for the sampling of industrial discharges has been settled without diminution of the National Rivers Authority's legislative rights; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Trippier

Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution has recently signed two memoranda of understanding, one with the Health and Safety Executive and the other with the National Rivers Authority.

These memoranda are designed to ensure effective co-ordination of the regulation of plant subject to control under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The memorandum with the Health and Safety Executive is concerned with the interface between the two organisations in respect of discharges, primarily those to air, and issues arising from the protection of persons at work and the public under the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The memorandum with the National Rivers Authority deals with issues relating to discharges to water.

Copies of both memoranda have been placed in the Library of the House.