asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many convictions there were in 1970 and 1971 for disposing of poisonous wastes in England.

Until the Deposit of Poisonous Waste Bill starts to operate, it has been impracticable to make any meaningful calculations of convictions for the dumping of toxic matter.

In view of the new laws which have been brought in, is my hon. Friend satisfied that the courts can in practice impose fines big enough to prove a real deterrent?

I hope that the Deposit of Poisonous Waste Bill will receive Royal Assent later this week. I am sure that under that Measure the very severe fines and prospect of imprisonment will act as an effective deterrent.