Written question asked by Jim Cunningham (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 28 March 1996. It was answered by James Clappison (Conservative) on Thursday, 28 March 1996 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: Who is responsible for investigating the safety of waste incinerators; with particular reference to fires.

Answer: Mr. Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment who is responsible for investigating the safety of waste incinerators; with particular reference to fires.[22282] Mr. Clappison: The health and safety of employees in the event of fire at storage locations at waste incinerators would be considered by Health and Safety Executive inspectors, but this would not normally be extended to matters of public health arising from exposure to any smoke. Storage of waste at municipal waste incinerators is covered by the authorisation granted to the operator by Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution, which would take account of any findings relating to its authorisation. Appropriate action would then be taken.

Secondary information