§ Mr. SteinbergTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has on the dangers to public health of airborne emissions of chromium compounds; and what measures are taken to monitor industrial sites which are known to emit such substances.
§ Mr. TrippierInformation on dangers to public health of airborne emissions of chromium compounds is a matter primarily for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health.
New processes for the production of chromium, its alloys and compounds require an authorisation from Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution, under part I of the Environmental Protection Act. The authorisation will include monitoring requirements of the operator to demonstrate compliance with the release limits commensurate with the use of the "best available techniques not entailing excessive cost".
However, existing chromium works subject to the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act are required to demonstrate the use of the "best practical means" and this may include the specific requirement to monitor emissions of chromium and its compounds. These works will come under the requirements of part I of the Environmental Protection Act from I May 1994.