To ask the Scottish Executive what land restoration sites are currently using sewage and, in respect of each such site, where the sewage is sourced and what monitoring of the (a) local environment and (b) health of the local population is carried out.

Information on the location of sewage sludge spreading activities is not held centrally. The spreading of sewage sludge on non-agricultural land can be carried out subject to conditions set out in the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994. The activity is regulated by Scottish Environment Protection Agency, which will ensure that it is within the conditions.

Responsibility for the protection of the health of local populations rests jointly with the local NHS board and the local authority. Action in respect of local health threats, including consideration of the need to extend the normal provision for monitoring and reporting the local incidence of disease, is a matter of decision for these bodies.