§ 34. Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about the current regulations concerning the importation and transit of toxic waste; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TrippierThe Department has received representations on a number of aspects of the current regulations on the transfrontier shipment of hazardous waste. The EC directives that are implemented through these regulations are being revised both in the light of operational experience by member states and also to give effect to the Basel convention adopted last year. The Government have made clear their views on the need for strengthening and extending the Community's rules on transfrontier shipment and we are seeking powers in the Environmental Protection Bill to restrict or prohibit the import of any wastes, where this is necessary to prevent risk of pollution or harm to human health.
75. Mr. Alan W. WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the amount in tonnes of toxic waste imported for incineration during 1988–89; and how much of this was of polychlorinated biphenyls or of materials contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls.
§ Mr. TrippierHer Majesty's inspectorate of pollution estimates that approximately 52,000 tonnes of hazardous waste was imported during 1988–89. It is not possible to identify separately the quantity destined for incineration. Figures for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are available only since the introduction of the transfrontier shipment of hazardous waste regulations in October 1988 and from then until 31 March 1989 some 5,800 tonnes of PCB-contaminated waste was imported for incineration.
§ 55. Mr. HardyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he now expects the toxic waste held in Wath-upon-Dearne to be removed from the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. TrippierI have asked officials to pursue the matter further with the United States authorities.