HC Deb 21 June 1990 vol 174 c634W
Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment to what extent carriers of toxic waste or operators of plants or sites where such waste is disposed of are required to insure themselves against the costs of potential environmental damage; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Trippier

There are no specific requirements for either carriers of special waste or operators of facilities for the disposal of special waste to insure themselves against the costs of potential environmental damage. However, there are provisions in the Environmental Protection Bill which require the holder of a waste management licence to satisfy his waste regulation authority that he has sufficient resources to meet the obligations of his licence including the costs of remedying any pollution that might occur.

Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans there are for legislation to ban the trade in toxic waste to and from the United Kingdom following the agreement by EC Environment Ministers on 7 June for each member state to become self-sufficient in waste disposal.

Mr. Trippier

Clause 131 of the Environmental Protection Bill contains powers to prohibit or restrict import or export of waste of any description and the EC Commission is preparing proposals to amend the existing directive on transfrontier shipment of hazardous waste. The United Kingdom is already self-sufficient in waste disposal.