HC Deb 11 July 1995 vol 263 c543W
Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with the Health and Safety Executive concerning the burning of waste products as fuels for cement kilns; and if he will make a statement. [33095]

Mr. Clappison

Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution has consulted the Health and Safety Executive on the permanent burning of secondary liquid fuels in cement plants at Clitheroe and Barrington. It will do so for other plants where an application for permanent burning is received.

Mr. Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the consequences of burning waste products as fuels for cement kilns for communities near cement factories. [33094]

Mr. Clappison

The burning of substitute fuels based on waste products in cement kilns is currently allowed by Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution for short-term trials only. This is being done under a strict regime of controls and extensive monitoring as announced by the Minister for the Environment and Countryside in answer to a parliamentary question of 23 June 1994. HMIP will not allow the permanent burning of substitute fuels if there is any net adverse environmental effect.