Written question asked by Helen Jackson (Labour) on Monday, 19 October 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 20 October 1998. It was answered by Alan Meale (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 October 1998 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: Statement on the application of the amendment to the Basel Convention as laid down in Decision IV/9 of the Parties to the Convention.

Answer: Helen Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the application of the amendment to the Basel Convention as laid down in Decision IV/9 of the Parties to the Convention. [55733] Mr. Meale: Command 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. I am pleased to announce therefore that the Decision IV/9 Basel Amendment will enter into force for the UK on 6 November 1998.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 317 c1098W;317 c1097-8W; 55733
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Developing countries Hazardous substances Export controls Treaties Transport Waste disposal Waste Basel Convention