§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the visit of the heads of European environmental protection enforcement agencies in European Community countries to the United Kingdom on 3 to 6 November.
§ Mr. Maclean[holding answer 9 November 1992]: The first meeting of representatives from EC environmental 56W enforcement authorities was held in Chester on 3 to 6 November. The purpose of the meeting was to set up a network of such bodies.
The meeting was organised on behalf of the United Kingdom presidency by Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution and it was chaired by HMIP's chief inspector, Dr. David Slater. More than 50 representatives from the 12 EC member states and the European Commission attended.
All delegates welcomed the establishment of the network, the aim of which is to provide a mechanism for exchange of information and practical regulatory experience, to address issues of mutual concern and to enhance the quality of enforcement throughout the community.
The meeting agreed a framework for future work, including establishing a number of working groups to address aspects such as permitting, compliance monitoring, inspection and enforcement systems.
The next full meeting of the network will take place in May 1993 in Denmark, during the Danish presidency of the European Community.