Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Landfill Sites: Toxic Air

Thursday 9 December 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministers have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on issues related to the potential impact of toxic air from landfill sites on the environment and public health.
  • Liz Twist raised concerns about the foul smells and health implications caused by landfill sites in her constituents' areas.
  • The Government visited a landfill site in Newcastle-under-Lyme and monitored it for nine months, finding that the fumes were not above safe limits.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
NHS Environment
Context

The MP is concerned about the long-term effects of toxic air from local landfill sites on both environmental conditions and public health.

Question

What recent discussions have you had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact on (a) the environment and (b) public health of toxic air from landfill sites?

Answer from Jo Churchill

Ministers have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a range of issues. We work with the Environment Agency when necessary, and our chief scientific adviser engages with various experts to consider any adverse impacts arising from landfill sites.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details about recent discussions on toxic air impact were not provided

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Q2 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Environment
Context

The MP is addressing constituents' long-standing complaints about the foul smells from local landfill sites, especially in light of increased awareness regarding air quality issues.

Question

My constituents have been plagued for many years by landfill sites that often produce really foul smells, and many of them are concerned about the health implications. Now that we are all much more aware of air quality issues, will the Government take further steps to review the advice issued by Public Health England on toxic smells from these sites?

Answer from Jo Churchill

Only last week I visited a landfill site in Newcastle-under-Lyme, and I know that it has a considerable impact on local communities. The site was monitored between January and September 2020, and the fumes were not found to be above safe limits.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No commitment to review Public Health England's advice was given

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