§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has to reduce greatly dioxin emissions in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe Government have already taken action in several areas to reduce dioxin emissions. These include banning stubble burning; encouraging the uptake of unleaded petrol; setting maximum levels of dioxin in pentachlorophenol and limiting its use as a wood preservative; and implementing integrated pollution control and local authority air pollution control for incineration processes. Waste incineration has been a major contributor of dioxins to the environment. Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution, however, has set a limit for the emission of dioxins from incinerators of 1 nanogramme per cubic metre, to be achieved by 1 December 1996. This target will reduce releases of dioxins from the incineration plant they control by over 90 per cent.
§ Mr. DenhamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to complete his assessment of the draft report of the United States Environmental Protection Agency on dioxin pollution; and when he expects to publish his assessment.
§ Mr. AtkinsAn initial study has already been made of the EPA's draft report on dioxins. A copy of the comments sent to the EPA has been placed in the Library of the House. The Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment is carrying out an expert review of the health effects of dioxins, including the work referred to in the EPA draft report. This should be completed during the summer and should be published shortly thereafter.