§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what types and what quantities of waste are being imported into Britain each year since the introduction of new regulations in response to incidents involving the vessel Karin B; and what types of quantities of waste were imported each year previous to this.
Mrs. Virginia Bottomely[holding answer 15 December 1988]: The Transfrontier Shipment of Hazardous Waste Regulations 1988 were made on 8 September, having been delayed by our earlier attempts to secure Community agreement to a wider coverage. No figures are yet available of notifications made under these regulations.
Special waste imports since 1981–82 are estimated at:
Quantity 1981–82 3,800 1982–83 5,000 1983–84 14,800 1984–85 5,000 1985–86 24,500 1986–87 52,000 1987–88 80,000 These figures compare with special waste arisings in England and Wales of 1.6 million tonnes per annum.