HC Deb 21 March 1990 vol 169 cc676-7W
78. Dr. Goodson-Wickes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the introduction of integrated pollution control in Britain.

Mr. Trippier

The Government's proposals for integrated pollution control (IPC) are contained in part I of the Environmental Protection Bill. IPC will provide an innovatory framework for controlling emissions to air water and land at one and the same time from the most potentially polluting processes. It marks a major breakthrough in the control of pollution and an environmental first in Europe.

Depending on the enactment of the Bill, IPC will become operational by the end of the year. All new processes will thenceforth come under IPC. There will be a phased programme for bringing existing processes with the system. Our aim is for this programme to be completed within five years.