§ Mr. BellinghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the first tranche of the process guidance notes for the chemical industry sector processes prescribed under part I of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 will be available.
§ Mr. MacleanI am pleased to report that nine notes, which are the first tranche of the chief inspector's guidance to inspectors in the chemical industry sector, are published today. These notes cover organic chemical processes, and have been drawn up following completion of research reviews. Relevant industries and other bodies have been given the opportunity to put forward their comments. The notes will provide a sound network within which inspectors can assess applications for the authorisation of new processes and existing processes. They represent a further stage in the introduction of integrated pollution control.
A set of the notes will be placed in the Library of the House as soon as they are published.
The preparation of guidance notes for the second and third tranches of chemical industry processes to come under control is well advanced. Further notes will be published later in the year.