HC Deb 13 June 2003 vol 406 cc1136-7W
Dr. Kumar

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to commission research into links between heart defects and neural tube defects and living near incineration plants; and if he will make a statement on research he has studied concerning childhood disabilities and abnormalities and plants processing industrial waste. [118240]

Ms Blears

The Department is currently participating in four projects, which include an assessment of the relationship between waste disposal, including incineration, and health. These areReview of environmental and health impacts of waste management and disposal", which is being led by the Department of Food, Environment and Rural Affairs. Human health related review of incineration and combustion techniques", which is being led by the Environment Agency. Assessment of health impacts: landfill directive and UK Government waste strategy", which is being led by the Environment Agency. Understanding the possible effects on human health by incineration of municipal waste", which is being led by the Department of Health and funded by the Environment Agency.

Research concerning childhood disabilities and abnormalities and plants processing industrial waste will be considered in these reviews, all of which will be published in due course.