HC Deb 15 October 1990 vol 177 cc741-2W
Dr. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when he last met his European Community colleagues to discuss the export, movement and disposal of toxic wastes to and from third countries, including developing countries; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Garel-Jones

The EC Environment Council will consider a proposal for Community and member states' ratification of the convention on the control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and their disposal (known as the Basel convention), under which parties to the convention shall not permit the export of toxic waste to parties which have prohibited the import of such waste. The fourth Lomé convention signed in December 1989 (and currently in the process of being ratified) has provisions prohibiting the direct or indirect export of Community waste to ACP states.