§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will estimate how many(a) sites and (b) hectares are currently contaminated by industrial pollution; and if he will make a statement. [10427]
§ Mr. Clappison[holding answer 13 January 1997]: The basis for an adequate estimate of the extent of land affected by industrial pollution does not exist. We are preparing to bring into force part HA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990—inserted into that Act by section 57 of the Environment Act 1995—which will give local authorities a specific duty to cause their areas to be inspected to identify land which meets the statutory definition of contaminated land.