§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution will investigate the release of toxic waste to the environment at the Euromet Chemicals recycling plant at Pontlottyn, on 29 October; and what risks were posed to the local population and the work force by these toxic fumes.
§ Mr. GristThe operation of the site is not subject to control by Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution; it is the responsibility of the regulatory authorities—the Rhymney Valley district council, the Health and Safety Executive and the National Rivers Authority—to determine the existence and extent of any hazard posed by the operation of the Euromet site to water, public health and local amenity. HMIP's advice is available to these agencies on request.
I am advised, following investigations and remedial work undertaken to date by the district council and the Health and Safety Executive, that the site is in a stable condition with regard to risk of further incident similar to that of 28 October. If, during the further investigations and work on site, any immediate hazard is identified appropriate action will be taken.