§ David BurnsideTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the impact on Northern Ireland of the UK's non-implementation of the EU Directive on integrated pollution prevention and control rules; what representations he has made; what fines will be imposed; and what steps are being taken to rectify the situation. [98370]
§ Angela SmithAt present the Industrial Pollution Control (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 provides for an integrated approach to the control of pollution from industrial processes. This provides for a strong and effective system of control and has been successful in providing a better and cleaner environment.
However, the United Kingdom also has an obligation to comply with EC Directive 96/91 on integrated pollution prevention and control, which provides for a similar system. The delay in the introduction of the transposing legislation in Northern Ireland has meant that the United Kingdom has been unable to meet fully its obligations. The Commission has therefore brought infraction proceedings against the UK.
The necessary legislation has now been introduced in Northern Ireland with the introduction of the Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002 and the Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003. The United Kingdom now takes the view that it has met fully its obligations to comply with the Directive.