§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what plans he has to modify the regulations governing the importation of medical and clinical waste; and if he will make a statement; [34034]
(2) if he will list the names and locations of those companies which are licensed to import clinical waste for high temperature incineration; and if he will make a statement; [34040]
(3) which countries export clinical waste to Scotland for high temperature incineration; and if he will make a statement. [34035]
§ Mr. KynochThe Government's policies on exports and imports of waste from and to the United Kingdom are contained in the United Kingdom management plan for exports and imports of waste which came into force on 1 June 1996.
Under the plan, imports of waste for disposal are generally banned, in line with the principle of self-sufficiency in the disposal of waste. However, exceptions to this policy occur in cases of emergency or where the exporting country does not have, and cannot reasonably acquire, suitable disposal facilities of its own.
There are no licensed high temperature incinerators, as defined in the plan, in Scotland. Therefore, medical or clinical waste is not imported for high temperature incineration in Scotland.
239WThere are no current plans to modify the regulations governing the importation of medical and clinical waste into the United Kingdom.
§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions have taken place with the Irish Department of Health concerning the export of clinical waste to Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [34033]
§ Mr. KynochI refer the hon. Member to the reply given today by the Under-Secretary of State, for the Environment, my hon. Friend the Member for Hertsmere (Mr. Clappison), regarding the Government's policies on the imports and export of waste.