Waste and Emissions Trading Bill [Lords]

Mr Michael Meacher (Minister of State (the Environment), Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Oldham West and Royton, Labour)

I wish to clarify a point that was raised in Committee on Tuesday by the hon. Member for Lewes (Norman Baker). There was discussion about clause 13(3), which provides for regulations enabling the monitoring authority or persons authorised by it to carry out certain inspection functions in relation to landfill operators. I mistakenly suggested that provision might be limited to a specific organisational pattern in Northern Ireland. That is not the case. The clause does not limit those who can act as agents for the monitoring authority. However, such agents would, of course, need to be authorised by the monitoring authority. It is highly unlikely that a debt collection agency would be so authorised, which I think was the hon. Gentleman's concern.

Mr Norman Baker (Lewes, Liberal Democrat)

I am grateful to the Minister for his willingness to put the record straight. My concern is not limited in the way that the Minister indicates. I fear that the power is wider than has been suggested, and reserve the right to return to the matter on Report, subject to the usual agreements.Clause 17 Strategy for England