§ Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received concerning proposals to establish a certificate of competence for waste handlers and carriers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryThe Environmental Protection Bill includes a power for the Secretary of State to prescribe qualifications and experience for applicants for waste management licences to demonstrate that they are fit and proper persons to hold a licence. Of the few representations received on this proposal, none opposed it in principle. A certificate of competence is now being devised by the recently formed waste management industry training and advisory board. When this certificate is available it is intended that it should be suitable for prescription by regulations under the Bill as evidence of technical competence.