HC Deb 02 April 1992 vol 222 cc501-2W
Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is the role and function of the proposed incinerator to be built at the central armaments depot, Kineton; what is the schedule for its construction; and what materials it is intended to destroy;

(2) what regulations exist for controlling the emissions from the proposed incinerator to be built at the central armaments depot, Kineton.

Mr. Aitken

The MOD has a requirement to demilitarise a proportion of its ammunition through an incineration facility. This includes surplus ammunition which has to be burned at high temperatures, and recoveries of explosive ordnance which may be of an uncertain condition or age. Previously, these types of ammunition have been dumped at sea, but that practice has now ceased. We plan to examine the potential for incineration to be carried out commercially before deciding upon the need for a MOD facility. In the event that a MOD facility were required, it would be designed to fully meet the emissions requirements as set out in the 1990 Environmental Protection Act and described in detail in Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution guidance note no. IPR 5/1.