To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution has executive power to conclude regulations governing the burning of refuse-derived fuel without reference of final decisions to him.

Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution does not have power to make regulations. Regulations governing the burning of refuse-derived fuel are being prepared by the Department as part of the regulations to implement the EC directive on municipal waste incineration. They will be subject to parliamentary approval in the usual way.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Members for Thurrock and for Romsey and Waterside (Mr. Colvin), Official Report, column 87, 21 January, whether Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution will consider the effects of disproportionate costs on small-scale users of refuse-derived fuel when drafting integrated pollution control regulations.

Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution is not drafting regulations. When drafting the guidance to cover the burning of refuse-derived fuel Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution will consult widely the relevant sectors of industry and will take into account the costs to users.