§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to increase the amount of domestic waste subject to incineration; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BaldryIncineration can be a viable alternative to landfill as a method of disposing of waste, provided proper standards are observed. The higher standards that landfill sites will be required to meet under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and the potential for energy generation from municipal waste incinerators, will also make incineration a more viable option financially. However, the final decision on the type of facility that is most appropriate in any area must lie with the waste disposal authority.
§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to ensure that there exist adequate facilities for incineration of domestic waste in compliance with the EC directive on large combustion plants; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BaldryIt is for waste disposal authorities to ensure there are adequate facilities—including incinerators—and they will need to take this into account in preparing their 691W waste disposal plans. Air emissions from existing municipal waste incinerators are covered by EC directive 89/429. The Government have allocated £62 million over the next three years to local authorities for works necessary to upgrade such incinerators to meet these standards.