HC Deb 23 February 1990 vol 167 cc935-6W
Mr. Redmond

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list those chemicals or chemical compounds that are classed as toxic waste in England and Wales.

Mr. Trippier

Waste which is dangerous or difficult to dispose of is classed as "special waste" and the substances used in its definition are listed in regulation 2 and schedule 1 to the Control of Pollution (Special Waste) Regulations 1980 (SI 1980 No. 1709). On 25 January we published a consultation paper reviewing the 1980 regulations and proposing a new definition of special waste. Copies of the consultation paper have been placed in the Library.

Mr. Redmond

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list those firms that are licensed to import toxic waste into England and Wales.

Mr. Trippier

United Kingdom firms do not require a licence to import toxic waste. However, the waste must go to suitably licensed waste disposal facilities and the shipment must be notified under the Transfrontier Shipment of Hazardous Waste Regulations 1988 or the Control of Pollution (Special Waste) Regulations 1980, as appropriate.