HC Deb 17 July 2000 vol 354 cc52-3W
Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps the Environment Agency is taking to monitor the waste disposal process from the former Britannic House site in the City of London. [130391]

Mr. Meacher

Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 requires that waste from construction sites is treated and disposed of in accordance with the conditions of a waste management licence, or within the terms of a licensing exemption, and in a way which does not cause pollution of the environment or harm to human health. Section 34 of the 1990 Act imposes a duty of care on those who produce, carry, keep, treat or dispose of construction waste. Contravention of these controls is a criminal offence.

It is the responsibility of those who produce and dispose of construction waste to comply with the requirements of sections 33 and 34 of the 1990 Act. However, in view of my hon. Friend's concern, the Environment Agency has undertaken to visit the site.

Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps the Health and Safety Executive is taking to check safety standards at the former Britannic House site in the City of London. [130390]

Mr. Meacher

The Health and Safety Executive received an initial notification of construction work at the former Britannic House site in January 1998. Since then there have been five visits to the site by HSE Inspectors to check health and safety standards, the last one being in March this year. At least one further visit is planned before the project is completed.

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