HL Deb 21 January 1997 vol 577 cc550-2

3.2 p.m.

Baroness Nicol asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the deadline of 10th August 1999 for waste facility managers to obtain their certificates of technical competence still holds; and whether they are satisfied that the waste industry is taking steps to ensure that all managers are qualified by that date.

The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (Earl Ferrers)

My Lords, the deadline of 10th August 1999, by which waste management facility managers should obtain their certificates of technical competence, still applies—other than for two exceptions. One is for those who are covered by the Waste Management Regulations 1996 and Waste Management Licensing (Scotland) Regulations which grant an exemption until 1st October 2001. The other is for those who are covered by the Special Waste Regulations 1996, which allow some exemptions until 10th August 2000. We are confident that all managers can be qualified by the relevant dates and we are encouraging the waste industry to take the necessary steps.

Baroness Nicol

My Lords, I thank the Minister for that Answer. Does he agree that it is important that those managers who have worked so hard and made such an effort to obtain their certificates well in advance of the date and who have achieved the necessary standard should not have the goal-posts moved at any time so that those who have not done the work find it easier to obtain the certificates? Can he tell the House the Government's proposals for enforcing the regulations as regards technical competence certificates and say what will be the consequences for those companies which do not achieve the result which has been asked of them?

Earl Ferrers

My Lords, it is very important that those people who have applied to obtain the certificates should be able to do so. It is our intention to ensure that as many people as possible are able to do that. The noble Baroness said that she does not wish to see the goal-posts moved. I can understand that. There is likely to be a slight change because there are at present nine certificates of competence and it is expected that that will increase to 11.

If a site is being run by a person without a certificate of competence, that will be a matter for the Environment Agency which will be able to revoke the licence for the site.

Baroness David

My Lords, are the Government satisfied that the requirements of the vocational qualification are adequate and appropriate for practical managers? Who was responsible for devising this qualification and who was consulted about the requirements?

Earl Ferrers

My Lords, the requirements are both adequate and sufficient. The noble Baroness asked me who is responsible for that. It is that remarkable body called WAMITAB. Your Lordships may not know what that stands for. It stands for the Waste Management Industry Training and Advisory Board. That board has consulted with its organisations and the Government. It is producing new proposals which will be considered by the Government and, if necessary, regulations will be introduced which will be laid before Parliament.

Baroness Hilton of Eggardon

My Lords, the Minister said that the number of certificates will increase from nine to 11. I hope that that does not mean that there will be a watering down of the standards. It is very important that the goal-posts are not moved in relation to the standards required of waste managers. I should be grateful for an assurance from the Minister on that.

Earl Ferrers

My Lords, no; the standards will not be altered at all. It will merely be easier for people to obtain a certificate in the particular discipline in which they wish to have one. The standards will remain just as high.