§ Mr. OlnerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to amend the United Kingdom Management Plan for Exports and Imports of Waste. [65804]
§ Mr. MealeThe 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. The quota is due to expire on 31 May 1999.
309WThere 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. Following public consultation on this issue, my Department today placed in the Library of both Houses an amendment to the Plan, making it clear that the waste must arrive at the appropriate disposal facility by 31 May 1999. This amendment will come into effect on Tuesday 19 January 1999.