§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps are taken by his Department prior to the building of new hospitals in Wales, to(a) research the quality of the soil for possible contamination, (b) monitor the level of toxic emissions into the locality, (c) measure toxic deposits into the watercourse of the locality and (d) research the level of risk from localised waste disposal and tipping, both illegal and legal.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesWelsh Office circular 22/87 provides guidance about the development of contaminated land. Responsibility for assessing whether land is suitable for hospital building, including whether it is contaminated, 469W rests primarily with the health authority concerned. The local planning authority also has a statutory duty under the planning and building regulations to satisfy itself before approval to proceed with any scheme is given that the proposal takes proper account of any contamination that may exist.