§ Ian LucasTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many investigations the Environment Agency has undertaken in respect of sites licensed by the Drugs Inspectorate for disposal of medicines and pharmaceuticals. [150437]
§ Mr. MorleyThe disposal of medicines is not licensed as such by the Home Office Drugs Inspectorate. However, the storage of controlled drugs at any site is subject to a Home Office Drugs Inspectorate licence.
The Environment Agency authorises processes for the destruction of wastes such as controlled drugs for disposal. It regularly inspects sites for conformity with the requirements of the authorisation, and investigations may be carried out where breaches of authorisations or other environmental legislation are believed to have taken place, and evidence may be sought in relation to enforcement action. One such major investigation has been carried out.
Additionally, other investigations may relate to technical matters, such as reasons for plant malfunctions, and are Carried out as necessary in accordance with the Agency's inspection programmes.