HC Deb 24 July 1991 vol 195 cc662-3W
Mr. Knapman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress he has made on plans to require the registration of waste carriers; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Trippier

On 13 December 1990, the Government issued for consultation a draft of the regulations necessary to implement the Control of Pollution (Amendment) Act 1989. We have considered the responses to that consultation exercise and have now laid before Parliament the Controlled Waste (Registration of Carriers and Seizure of Vehicles) Regulations 1991, which will take effect from 14 October.

The regulations are a vital step in the Government's programme of action to deter fly-tipping, to ensure that those responsible for this crime are called to account, and to improve standards in the management and disposal of waste. The registration of waste carriers is also the first step in the implementation of the duty of care which we intend to bring fully into force by April 1992. Guidance on the 1989 Act and the regulations is provided in DOE circular 11/91.

The main effect of the regulations is to require anyone who transports waste in the course of his business, or in any other way for profit, to be registered. It will be an offence to do so without being registered. The police will have powers to stop and search vehicles carrying waste on the road and to require the carrier to produce his certificate of registration. Steps are being taken to ensure that carriers are aware of the need to register.

Waste regulation authorities will have power to refuse or revoke registration where the carrier, or someone connected with his business, has been convicted of a "prescribed offence" and the authority consider it is undesirable that he should be registered. There will be a right of appeal to the Secretary of State. Each waste regulation authority will be required to maintain a register of carriers. The register will be open to inspection free of charge by members of the public.

The regulations also set out the procedures under which a waste regulation authority can apply to the court for a warrant to seize a vehicle believed to have been used for fly-tipping where the identity of the owner has proven to be a problem.