Martin said Wetherspoon had no current plans to embark upon a disposal programme.

Shareholders can expect to see the disposal programme continue during 1993.

Balance sheet gearing is now being steadily reduced as a result of the disposal programme.

"No state or Federal agency regulating our disposal program supports the claims set out in the article."

The measure would give the Energy Department $500 million that it requested for the disposal program.

But clearly, a state on the verge of building more incinerators needs a credible ash disposal program.

A major disposal programme combined with a £2.7bn debt restructuring in 2004 saved it from collapse.

In fact, what the Minister said was that it would be the general policy under the disposal programme.

There followed other capital issues and a disposal programme.

The scope of the disposal program is still under review.