§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he had held or plans to hold with the National Association of Waste Regulation Officers relating to inconsistency of penalties for waste disposal offences; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacleanNone. We understand that the National Association of Waste Regulation Officers is looking into this issue following some recent court cases, but it has so far made no representations to the Department. Within the maxima laid down by Parliament, it is for the courts to determine the most suitable sentence in the light of all the circumstances of the offence and the offender.