§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reason the UK delegation to the 10 session of the negotiations for a UN ECE Commission for Europe Convention concerning public participation in environmental decision-making did not support a proposal to provide for public participation in transfrontier movements of radioactive waste. [39943]
§ Angela EagleThe proposal would have added all transboundary and internal movements of hazardous and radioactive substances, including wastes, for which a specific permit is required under national law, to the list of those practices requiring formal public consultation. Consultation on every such movement would be impracticable. The relevant legislation and associated guidance provides a stringent system of checks which ensure the safety of radioactive waste during transit, radiological protection of the public and protection of the environment.
§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what statutory provisions govern the international shipment of radioactive waste; whether there is a requirement for a public register of applications or authorisations for such shipments; what records(a) he and (b) the Environment Agency keep of (i) applications and (ii) authorisations for such shipments; if he will place a copy of such records in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [39941]
§ Angela EagleThe import and export of radioactive waste from the UK is governed by SI 1993 No. 3031, the Transfrontier Shipment of Radioactive Waste Regulations 1993. The Regulations provide for a system of authorisation and approval by competent authorities of the shipment of radioactive waste. There is no statutory requirement within the Regulations for the provision of a public register. The Environment Agency maintains records of applications, approvals and authorisations for 177W England and Wales, in the form prescribed by the Regulations, and I have arranged for copies of these to be placed in the Library. Arrangements for shipments of waste involving Scotland and Northern Ireland are dealt with by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Department of the Environment in Northern Ireland respectively.