§ Baroness Nicolasked Her Majesty's Government:
What was the outcome of the application of the amendment to the Basel Convention as laid down in Decision IV/9 of the Parties to the Convention. [HL3495]
§ Lord WhittyCommand Paper 4061 which sets out details of the Decision IV/9 amendment has been laid before the House.
This amendment helps to clarify which wastes will be subject to the ban on the exports of hazardous wastes to developing countries. Rules to implement the amendment within the EC have been agreed by member states.
The amendment will enter into force for all parties to the Basel Convention on 6 November 1998, except for those who notify the Depositary, in writing by 6 November 1998, that they are unable to accept it.
The Basel amendment represents yet another milestone in securing an environmentally sound regime for the movement of hazardous wastes. We are pleased to announce therefore that the Decision IV/9 Basel Amendment will enter into force for the UK on 6 November 1998.