§ Mr. CongdonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to implement the waste management licensing system under part II of the Environmental Protection Act 1990; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. MacleanSince August 1992 the Government have been consulting on the measures needed to implement the enhanced system of waste management licensing under part II of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. These consultations have been complex and detailed because of the need to strike the right balance between regulations, exemptions from licensing and guidance; the need to take account of European Community measures dealing with waste management; and the need to keep the burden of regulation to a minimum consistent with achieving our environmental protection objectives.
Given the range and weight of the comments raised, it has not been possible to conclude considering them by the Government's previous target date for implementation of licensing of 1 April 1993. I therefore propose to bring the waste management licensing system into force on 1 June 1993; regulations will be laid before the House in good time before then.