§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what guidelines are currently provided by his Department to companies involved in the incineration of clinical waste concerning the safe deposit of toxic ash following the burning of such waste.
§ Mr. MacleanMy Department is satisfied that ash from incinerators burning clinical waste can be safely deposited at landfill sites licensed and designed to accept such waste without risk to public health or the environment. Waste disposal authorities formulate licence conditions and monitor sites to ensure that no hazard arises.
My Department has published definitive guidance on the landfilling of waste in waste management paper No. 26 and on disposal licensing in waste management paper No. 4. Copies of both these documents have been placed in the Library of the House. Guidance will shortly be issued on the management of clinical waste in the revised version of waste management paper No. 25.