§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the cases where fines have been imposed under the Pollution Control and Local Government (NI) Order 1978 (S.I., 1978, No. 1049) (Northern Ireland No. 19) article 8, subsection 3, since the order was introduced; and if he will make a statement as to whether the Government have any plans to increase the maximum fine of £400 for contravention of the conditions under which a disposal licence has been granted.
§ Mr. NeedhamRecords of prosecutions by district councils for contravention of a condition of a disposal licence are not held centrally. However, the information required will be sought from the councils and I shall write to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible. In fact, the current maximum fine under article 8(3) is £2,000. Consideration is being given to introducing legislation on the lines of part II of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 which would provide for a maximum penalty of £20,000 or a term of imprisonment or both.