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Slender chances for NAWDC to object
Page 39
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• At a Press conference last week to mark the first anniversary of the National Association of Waste Disposal Contractors, a "Code of Conduct" was presented. This arises from the wish of NAWDC members "to have publicly known standards of practice covering our industry," and to take a "first step in creating an industry with a professional rather than an opportunist bias".
The adoption of a "Code of Conduct" was one of seven stated aims of the Association when it was set up last September. Most of the requirements within its 10 sections are, perhaps, predictable enough and, with one exception, excited little response when read out by chairman Tony Morgan on Thursday of last week, The exception was Point 8, which reads: "When disposing of used vehicles, ensure that specialized equipment does not fall into the hands of unscrupulous operators thereby increasing the risk of illegal operation." When asked whether it was seriously suggested that operators should destroy used equipment rather than sell it, Mr. Morgan asserted that this was the suggestion with certain equipment, quoting the case of a vacuum tank which, he said, should be made inoperative "so as not to be used in an. irresponsible manner".
Another matter which provoked much discussion was the statement, in the "background notes" supplied, that "the decision to form the Association was prompted by recent transport legislation. The basic meaning in the relevant clause of the Transport Bill decreed that any future objection to applications for licences could only be made by a 'prescribed' association of firms within an industry or by an official, i.e. government sponsored, body. The latter was completely unacceptable to independent commercially oriented companies and, in order to retain control of affairs, NAWDC was formed." Asked whether it had been established that the NAWDC was regarded by the Ministry of Transport as a "prescribed association" an "f4cial replied that at present it was not so regarded by the Ministry, but that representations to this end would continue to be made.
But judging from information obtained from the MoT this week, the NAWDC's chances of such recognition by the Ministry appear ex
tremely slender. The only two trade associations to be accepted as "prescribed" are the RHA and the FTA. The draft regulations for operators' licensing were sent out in July, and the closing date for comments was August 11. But although the consultation period has now ended, a MoT spokesman said this week that no final decision has been made—some applications are still being considered.
Asked what criteria were being applied in this matter, he said: "The Ministry decided to accept the applications of bodies with wide coverage rather than small associations with Iectional interests." E.J.M.