§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will take steps to ensure that(a) importers of waste, (b) producers of recyclable waste, (c) carriers of waste and (d) those who treat or dispose of waste, notify receiving waste regulation authorities before they begin relevant contract work;
(2) if he will empower receiving waste regulation authorities to halt the disposal, recycling or reclamation of waste when (a) importers of waste, (b) producers of recyclable waste, (c) carriers of waste or (d) those who treat or dispose of waste, fail to notify receiving waste regulation authorities before they begin relevant contract work.
§ Mr. Maclean[holding answer 25 June 1992]:] The Environmental Protection Act 1990 provides substantially enhanced powers for waste regulation authorities over and above those currently available to waste disposal authorities under the Control of Pollution Act 1974. Beyond implementing the provisions of the 1990 Act, the Secretary of State has at present no plans to amend or extend the powers of waste regulation authorities in respect of the disposal, carrying, recycling or reclamation of waste.
Under requirements imposed by the Control of Pollution (Amendment) Act 1989, carriers of controlled waste are required to register with the relevant waste regulation authority.
Waste regulation authorities will be able to monitor through their licensing functions activities involving the treatment, keeping, recycling, reclamation and disposal of controlled waste.
Authorities have powers to take action, including requiring the cessation of operations, where such activities are being carried on in a manner likely to cause pollution or harm, or are not in compliance with licence conditions.
With reference to imports of waste, a draft EC regulation on movements of waste would require financial guarantees or insurance to cover failed and illegal consignments, and would introduce provisions to secure the return or disposal of waste in such circumstances.