§ Mr. Andrew WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what are the Government's estimates of toxic waste imports to Scotland in each of the next five years;
(2) if he will list the quantity of imported waste destined for Scotland in each of the last five years.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonReturns by district and islands councils indicate that the total amounts of waste imported into Scotland in 1987 and 1988 were as follows:
Year Amount (tonnes) 1987 15 1988 453 Information is not available for earlier years; returns for 1989 are not yet complete.
Centrally, there are no estimates for the import of any wastes in future years.
§ Mr. Andrew WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps his Department is currently taking to monitor and investigate the incidence of illness arid death among humans and animals in areas where there are incinerators and landfill sites; and if he will make a statement on safeguards to the general public in such areas.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythUnder the Control of Pollution Act 1974 district or islands councils as waste disposal authorities have powers to reject any application for the use of land, plant or equipment for the disposal of controlled waste which the council believes will cause a danger to public health. Health boards and environmental health departments are responsible for investigating particular incidents.
§ Mr. Andrew WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to strengthen current legislation to protect public health and the environment in the specific area of landfill sites and incineration.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonYes. The Environmental Protection Bill will tighten controls both on air pollution, from incinerators and other sources, and on waste disposal to landfill sites.