§ Mr. MansTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what further measures he proposes to take to control imports of waste.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyIt remains our view that international trade in waste disposal services can be economically and environmentally desirable, provided that it is properly controlled and monitored. We have, however, included in a consultation paper issued today, a proposal to take direct powers in primary legislation to prohibit, restrict or control the import or export of wastes. The powers, which would be exercised by regulations, would be desirable for example if trade in particular wastes were to risk damage to humans, animals, plants or the 5W environment generally, were to affect the availability of disposal facilities or were to lead to improper disposal. Existing powers are contained in a range of primary legislation and regulations which the Government believe could usefully be clarified.
We have concluded that movement of waste for disposal across national frontiers should in general be restricted to wastes which are to go directly to specialist treatment plants or incinerators. Shipments of waste to go directly to landfill should be exceptional and permitted only with the agreement of the importing country. We also consider that all transfrontier movements of waste should be subject to the pre-notification procedures set out in the EC directive on transfrontier shipment of hazardous waste. We intend to put these proposals to our European colleagues at the forthcoming EC Environment Council with the aim of strengthening the existing directives.