HC Deb 21 January 1991 vol 184 c53W
Mr. Canavan

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether Her Majesty's Government will undertake a public survey of the problems of toxic waste pollution in and around United States overseas bases as it affects United States bases in Britain, including bases closing or closed.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

There are no plans to undertake such a survey.

Mr. Canavan

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what information Her Majesty's Government has or intends to seek on the problems of toxic waste pollution in and around United States bases in Britain;

(2) whether Her Majesty's Government will seek binding agreements with the United States Government to ensure the clean-up, at United States expense, of all United States bases in Britain and surrounding areas which have been affected by toxic waste pollution.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

Such bases are bound by the same environmental legislation as military establishments occupied by our own armed forces. Any particular occurrence of pollution, either governed by such legislation or otherwise notifiable, are dealt with in the appropriate manner. There are in addition general agreements, on basing responsibilities already in existence.

Mr. Canavan

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether Her Majesty's Government intends to examine the United States congressional report on the problems of toxic waste pollution in and around United States overseas bases, due to be published at the end of 1990.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

I understand that no such report exists.

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