HL Deb 22 October 2003 vol 653 cc185-6WA
Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether all waste management plans submitted under the Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Port Waste Reception Facilities) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1809) conform with best practice guidelines and legislative requirements laid down by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. [HL4939]

Lord Davies of Oldham

The implementation of the regulations is the responsibility of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Although plans are not required to demonstrate compliance with guidelines developed by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), and neither is this part of the approval process, the MCA has advised port waste management planners to contact their local Defra office and environmental regulator in order to discuss the provision of reception facilities and ensure that they conform with both Defra's and the regulator's guidance. The MCA has consulted closely with Defra throughout the development of the regulations and the associated guidance in order to promote best practice.

Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether all harbours and terminals have submitted waste management plans under the Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Port Waste Reception Facilities) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/ 1809). [HL4940]

Lord Davies of Oldham

In consultation with the UK ports industry it was agreed that port waste management plans conforming to the requirements of the Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Port Waste Reception Facilities) Regulations 2003 should be submitted to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) for review and approval at the latest by 31 December 2003. Not all harbours and terminals have yet submitted their plans.