Andrew,
Was this not the subject of a previous string when the proposal was first mooted. I seem recall it generated some concerns and a request was made for clarification. Areas of particular concern where focused on,
The statutory basis for the creation of a National Expert Panel
The transparency and impartiality of the panel's selection,
The prerequisite skills and experience required for membership of the panel,
The maintenance of those skills and the management of the panel's performance,
The monitoring of Conflicts of Interest,
The weight that the panel's advice will have on Part IIA decisions,
How the extent to which the DEFRA appointed National Expert Panel will be challenged,
The concern that the panel will become the 'defacto' regulator,
The extent to which the panel will be responsible/liable for its 'advice',
The level of PI and PL insurance cover to be held by the panel/members.
Will DEFRA and/or the panel address these and other concerns prior to recieving requests for assistance?
David E Jackson
Independent contaminated land specialist
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