Written question asked by Paul Flynn (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 January 1997. It was answered by James Clappison (Conservative) on Wednesday, 15 January 1997 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: If he will estimate how many (a) sites and (b) hectares are currently contaminated by industrial pollution. - No figs given. (Holding answer 13 January 1997).

Answer: Mr. Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will estimate how many (a) sites and (b) hectares are currently contaminated by industrial pollution; and if he will make a statement. [10427] Mr. Clappison: [holding answer 13 January 1997]: The basis for an adequate estimate of the extent of land affected by industrial pollution does not exist. We are preparing to bring into force part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990--inserted into that Act by section 57 of the Environment Act 1995--which will give local authorities a specific duty to cause their areas to be inspected to identify land which meets the statutory definition of contaminated land.

Secondary information