The Pollution Prevention and Control (England and Wales) Regulations 2000

Directions to regulators

36.—(1) The Secretary of State may give directions to regulators of a general or specific character with respect to the carrying out of any of their functions under these Regulations.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the power conferred by paragraph (1), a direction under that paragraph may direct regulators—

(a) to exercise any of their powers under these Regulations or to do so in such circumstances as may be specified in the directions or in such manner as may be so specified; or

(b) not to exercise those powers, or not to do so in such circumstances or such manner as may be specified in the directions.

(3) Where the Secretary of State receives information pursuant to Article 17(1) of the Directive in relation to the operation of an installation outside of the United Kingdom which is likely to have a significant negative effect on the environment of England or Wales, he shall, for the purpose of complying with Article 17(2) of the Directive, direct the Environment Agency to take such steps as he considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing the information to the attention of the persons in England or Wales likely to be affected by the operation of the installation and providing them with an opportunity to comment on that information.

(4) Any direction given under these Regulations shall be in writing and may be varied or revoked by a further direction.

(5) It shall be a duty of a regulator to comply with any direction which is given to it under these Regulations.