§ Ms ArmstrongTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if his Department has now had time to consider the United States Environmental Protection Agency's report on dioxins; and what account will be 1263W taken of the decisions to license the burning of recycled liquid fuel in cement kilns in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe US Environmental Protection Agency's report, although both detailed and in parts highly technical, is still a preliminary draft, issued for public comment. It does not represent EPA policy. Its content and findings will be revised during the coming year in the light of comments received. The Government are studying the draft report, and intend to complete their own preliminary assessment of it by the end of this year. The Government will also seek the advice of the chief medical officer about the implications of this report, any decisions taken in the light of this assessment and the advice of the chief medical officer, will apply to all processes which might produce dioxins.
§ Mr. Ian BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to modify his Department's policy on encouraging waste to energy incinerators following the recent report by the United States Environmental Protection Agency on the health effects of dioxins; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe US Environmental Protection Agency's report is a preliminary draft issued for public comment and its contents and findings will be revised during the coming year in the light of comments received. The Government are studying the draft report carefully and intend to complete their own preliminary assessment of it by the end of the year.
In their response to the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution's report on incineration of waste, the Government have already given a public assurance that, in deciding their policy on the use of incineration for waste disposal, they will take into account the advice of the chief medical officer on the implications of this and other major dioxin studies.