In response to allegations that exemptions from waste management licensing under the Waste Framework Directive are being abused, a new consultation paper has been launched by DEFRA and the Welsh Assembly. "Proposals for amendments to the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994: a consultation paper" reviews six current exemptions and proposes a new exemption for the burning of dunnage at docksides. Consultation deadline is 19 September 2003. Consultation paper available at www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/wastemanlicence/index.htm. www.defra.gov.uk/news/2003/030627c.htm