§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment his Department has made92W of the environmental impact of incinerating (a) household and (b) industrial waste.
§ Mr. AtkinsMy Department published a report in November 1993 of a study on the environmental externalities from landfill and incineration. The study considers the environmental impacts of the two methods of waste disposal, and discusses the extent to which these impacts are controlled through the regulatory arrangements and reflected in waste disposal prices. Findings from the study suggest that incineration with energy recovery may offer real environmental benefits.
A consultation draft of a waste strategy for England and Wales was published by the Department in January 1995. In discussing the advantages and disadvantages of the various options for waste disposal, it expresses the view that the recovery of energy from waste through incineration offers a number of important environmental advantages. I am arranging for a copy of the draft strategy to be sent to the hon. Member.