HC Deb 14 February 1991 vol 185 c578W
Mr. Bill Walker

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will outline the recent activities of the hazardous waste inspectorate in Scotland.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

I am pleased to say that a report of the hazardous waste inspectorate in Scotland has been published today. The report, which covers the period April 1987 to December 1990, outlines the activities and findings of the inspectorate and also sets out a number of conclusions and recommendations concerning waste management practices in Scotland. Copies of the report have been placed in the Library.

This report will be of interest to everyone who has a part to play in ensuring that waste management in Scotland is practised in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner. The findings of the inspectorate, which have been drawn from its surveys and visits over recent years, are discussed in the report. It concludes that whilst a general improvement in waste disposal practices is evident there is still scope for further improvement.

I welcome this report at a time when environmental issues are so high in the minds of everyone and commend its contents to the public and private sectors of the industry alike.