Written question asked by Peter Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 14 February 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 February 2006. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 March 2006 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Toxic Sludge

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much the disposal of toxic waste dumped on roads in Northern Ireland has cost in each of the last three years, broken down by constituency.

Answer: The Environment and Heritage Service does not have a statutory duty to remove waste from public roads, and therefore, does not hold information specifically on costs arising from such waste disposal. Such work is carried out by the Department for Regional Development's Roads Service, or, if relating to material in lay-bys or the roadside, by the relevant district council or their contractors.The Department of the Environment will need to obtain information from Roads Service and each of the 26 district councils. It is expected that it will take several weeks to obtain and collate this information and I shall write to the hon. Gentleman when this has been completed. A copy of the letter will be placed in the Library.

Secondary information