THE BURNING OF HIGHLY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

Early day motion 1455, tabled 6 July 2004 by Helen Clark (Labour). Signed by 54 members.

That this House expresses strong concerns about the Environment Agency's proposals to relax the rules on the burning of a broader range of highly hazardous substances in cement plants; notes that such plants, being designed and built to manufacture cement rather than burn highly hazardous materials, will be able to operate at lower environmental standards than the existing specially designed and highly regulated facilities, particularly as the acceptable limit on emissions to the environment will be lowered; notes the lack of requirement to formally take into account the public's view at a national or local level; further notes the need to retain the precautionary principle especially as there is insufficient evidence to prove that the burning of such wastes in cement plants is safe; and calls on the Government to undertake a fundamental review of the Environment Agency's proposals taking into account the recommendations of the 1994-95 and 1996-97 Environmental select committees.

Signatures by party: Labour 27, Liberal Democrat 13, Conservative 9, Plaid Cymru 4, Labour/Co-operative 1.