ABSTRACT
In 1989, in its report on toxic waste, the Environment Committee, under the chairmanship of Sir Hugh Rossi, concluded "that the import of wastes for treatment or incineration in Britain was acceptable provided it is properly regulated at all stages".1 Toxic waste imports increased significantly throughout the eighties, the majority of waste being transported to Britain by sea. The International Maritime Organization estimated in 1989 that more than 50 per cent of cargoes transported by sea are hazardous. Nearly thirty ports in Britain handle hazardous wastes.2
