HC Deb 09 December 1992 vol 215 cc706-7W
Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations he has had with the National Rivers Authority concerning flooding and polluted water leaking contamination into rivers and streams from abandoned mines and proposed abandoned mines, including dates of meetings and sites under discussion.

Mr. Maclean

My right hon. Friend and I have referred to the topic from time to time in discussions with members of the National Rivers Authority's board, and there have been discussions and exchanges of information between my officials and those of the N RA. I expect these contacts to continue as we give further consideration to policy on this issue.

Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if she will seek to amend section 89 of the Water Resources Act 1991 to make owners of abandoned workings liable for prosecution.

Mr. Maclean

The recent Environment White Paper confirmed that the Government are considering the framework of legal responsibility for pollution from abandoned mines. This will include consideration of section 89 of the 1991 Act.

Ms.Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if she will list all abandoned mines known to cause water pollution problems.

Mr. Maclean

This information is not available centrally. The National Rivers Authority has been reviewing data on water pollution from abandoned mines, and I expect its assessment to he published within the next few months.