HL Deb 21 October 2004 vol 665 cc97-8WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What proposals they have to amend the legislation governing the dumping of illegal waste from the Irish Republic in Northern Ireland. [HL4338]

Baroness Amos

Illegal cross-border dumping is a serious problem, and one that has the potential for both environmental and economic damage to Northern Ireland. The Environment and Heritage Service currently has powers to seize vehicles, although these can be used only in a very limited way and are difficult to implement.

The Government are currently considering what legislative changes are necessary to strengthen the regulatory powers in relation to the seizure of vehicles as a means of tackling this matter, and are also considering how enhanced inter-agency working can address this issue.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many people have been prosecuted in each of the past three years for dumping in Northern Ireland waste which originated in the Irish Republic. [HL4339]

Baroness Amos

Prosecutions for illegal disposal of waste may be taken under two main pieces of legislation. These are the Transfrontier Shipment of Waste Regulations 1994, which are currently implemented by district councils, and the Waste and Contaminated Land (NI) Order 1997 which is the responsibility of the department's Environment and Heritage Service.

Once this information has been collected from the department and each of the 26 district councils, I will write to the noble Lord.