§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action has been taken to prevent further pollution of groundwater at Helpston, Cambridgeshire, following the identification of the cause and source in August 1992.
§ Mr. YeoThe National Rivers Authority took immediate action in 1992 to ask the waste regulatory authority to vary the waste disposal licences for the landfill sites from which the pollution came. Subsequently, in October 1992, the NRA commissioned studies to identify the options available to contain and remedy the pollution. The final report on this is expected shortly, and will help the NRA to decide what further action is necessary and feasible.
§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment on what grounds the National Rivers Authority has decided not to publish the three existing reports identifying the cause and source of groundwater pollution at Helpston, Cambridgeshire.
§ Mr. YeoInvestigations into the groundwater pollution at Helpston are not yet complete. The reports received so far have been judged, by the NRA, to be subject to the confidentiality provisions of the Environmental Information Regulations 1992. Apart from any legal restrictions, the NRA plans to release as much factual information as possible, when it is appropriate.
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§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment which authority will be responsible for funding the clean-up of pesticide pollution at Helpston, Cambridgeshire.
§ Mr. YeoIt is for the National Rivers Authority and the courts to consider whether there may be any criminal liability in respect of the contamination. The NRA also has power to take remedial action should that be appropriate, and can seek to recover its costs. It is for anyone adversely affected to consider any claims for civil damages.