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Tyre Dump Fires

Volume 229: debated on Wednesday 21 July 1993

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To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what arrangements are being assessed by his Department to cope with tyre dump fires; and if he will make a statement.

The responsibility for making provision for fire-fighting rests with fire authorities.In addition, waste disposal authorities are responsible for licensing the deposit of waste under the Control of Pollution Act 1974. Depositing waste tyres without a licence is an offence. A disposal authority may reject a licence application or revoke a licence on grounds of water pollution or danger to public health. Licences are issued subject to conditions, which may include requirements as to the precautions to be taken at the site. Disposal authorities are responsible for enforcing licences. These powers and duties are to be strengthened and extended when the waste management licensing provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 are brought into force.