HC Deb 20 April 1994 vol 241 cc879-80
10. Mr. Loyden

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what items of environmental policy he has raised in the past month with the European Commissioner.

Mr. Atkins

I have discussed a wide range of environmental policy issues with Commissioner Paleokrassas in the past month.

Mr. Loyden

Next month, the Government will have the opportunity to ban toxic waste from EU countries. Will the Minister assure the House that he will take immediate steps to impose that ban in this country and in all developed countries from next month?

Mr. Atkins

We have signed the convention, which takes effect on 6 May. Therefore, the answer to the hon. Gentleman's question must be yes.

Mr. Clifton-Brown

Does my hon. Friend agree that EU environment directives should be better framed and should always be based on the latest scientific evidence? Does he further agree that the policy of the Labour and Liberal Democrat parties of environment directives being scrutinised—

Madam Speaker

Order. We are here not to discuss Labour and Liberal Democrat policies, but to question the Executive. Would the hon. Gentleman like to rephrase his question?

Mr. Clifton-Brown

Thank you for that stricture, Madam Speaker. Does my hon. Friend agree that Labour and Liberal Democrat policies—

Madam Speaker

Order. I shall move on unless the hon. Gentleman asks a proper parliamentary question. I shall give him another chance.

Mr. Clifton-Brown

Thank you, Madam Speaker—third time lucky. Does my hon. Friend agree that the Labour and Liberal Democrat parties—[interruption]

Madam Speaker

Order. We shall move on.

Mr. Barnes

The Court of Auditors is one of the more effective organs of the European Union. It has produced a number of devastating reports, including one showing that most EU expenditure happens to be counterproductive to environmental matters. The Government's view was defeated in the European Legislation Committee because the Government had dragged their feet over discussing the report. Is the matter now being taken seriously by the Government and the Commission?

Mr. Atkins

Yes.

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