§ Sir Michael NeubertTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what preparations are to be made for the introduction of certificates of technical competence for waste managers and associated guidance on assessing technical competence under part II of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
§ Mr. MacleanFollowing the further delay in the introduction of waste management licensing under the Environmental Protection Act which I announced on 29 April at column4708, my Department has been discussing the position of the provisions on technical competence with the waste management industry training and advisory board (WAMITAB).
The issues delaying the waste management licensing regulations do not throw any doubt on the provisions 101W regarding technical competence. I have therefore published today the text of provisions that the Government will bring forward as part of waste management licensing in due course. These provisions would prescribe WAMITAB certificates as evidence of technical competence and include transitional provisions for existing waste managers, and will be embodied in regulations under the 1990 Act to be put before the House as part of the waste management licensing regulations. I have also published an advance extract from the associated statutory guidance on assessing technical competence. I have deposited a copy of this material in the Library of the House.
This advance information will enable waste managers, waste regulators and WAMITAB to make early preparations for this important part of the 1990 Act.
My Department has now let a contract with WAMITAB under which it will complete its system for awarding certificates of technical competence based on national vocational qualifications.
The certificates of technical competence to be offered by WAMITAB will be an important component of the improved environmental standards in waste management to be achieved by the waste regulation provisions of the Environmental Protection Act, and the Government fully endorse the work of the board.