§ Lord Nathanasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they will reply to the report of the European Communities Committee on Paying for Pollution—Civil Liability for Damage Caused by Waste (25th Report, session, 1989–90, HL Paper 84).
§ The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (Baroness Blatch)The report of the European Communities Committee is a welcome assessment of the points of policy and principle raised by proposals for strict civil liability in this area.
Since the report was published, the European Commission has let it be known that it has been reconsidering its approach to the question of civil liability for environmental damage generally. The Commission intends to publish a Green Paper in the near future, setting out an integrated strategy for environmental liability within the Community. Once we have had an opportunity to study the implications of this Green Paper for the issue of civil liability for damage caused by waste, we will be able to consider how best to respond to the European Communities Committee Report.