Waste Exports and Imports (Hansard, 2 December 1998)

§ Mr. Meacher

The UK policies on exports and imports of waste are set out in the "United Kingdom Management Plan for Exports and Imports of waste", which was published on 16 May 1996. The Plan came into effect on 1 June 1996.

Under the Plan, imports of waste from European Community Member States, with the exception of Ireland and Portugal, for disposal by high temperature incineration are being progressively phased out under an annual quota. This arrangement is intended to allow Member States time to develop their own high temperature incineration facilities, and is consistent with the long-standing United Kingdom policy that developed countries should be self-sufficient in disposing of their own waste. The quota is due to expire on 31 May 1999.

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The Government have received a request from the high temperature incineration industry to extend the quota by at least a year. After careful consideration of the industry's representations, the Government have decided not to extend the quota. Any such extension of the quota would undermine the UK policy on self-sufficiency in waste disposal by developed countries.

However, it has become apparent that the Plan requires clarification on one minor, but important, point. There is, at present, an apparent inconsistency over whether waste imported under the quota needs to be disposed of, or simply imported into the UK, by 31 May 1999. The Government intend to clarify the situation by confirming that the waste must arrive at the appropriate disposal facility by 31 May 1999. This carries no cost implications.

My Department has therefore today published, for consultation, details of the proposed change. Copies of the consultation paper have been placed in the Library of both Houses.