asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to discuss joint initiatives for the control of toxic waste disposal in Europe.

This country took a leading part in the development of a convention to control the dumping of toxic wastes in the North-East Atlantic, which has been signed by many European countries, including the United Kingdom. The disposal of toxic waste on land must be primarily a matter for national Administrations, but we will respond to any constructive suggestions for European co-operation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will pre pare a statement on the control of toxic waste disposal for the United Nations Conference on the Environment at Stockholm.

I hope to deal with this matter in my speech to the plenary session of the conference.