HC Deb 19 March 1998 vol 308 cc1398-9
6. Ms Drown

What steps his Department is taking (a) to provide for the incineration of more meat and bonemeal and (b) to reduce the need for MBM storage. [33756]

Mr. Rooker

The Government are actively considering a number of major disposal options involving incineration for the meat and bonemeal derived from the over-30-months scheme. Our goal remains to find a disposal solution which takes full account of the need to protect human and environmental health, while keeping the cost to the taxpayer as low as possible.

Ms Drown

I thank the Minister for his reply. My constituents turned out in force last week at a council planning meeting and they were delighted that the council unanimously rejected a plan to store meat and bone meal at an inappropriate site in Wroughton in my constituency. Will the Minister assure my constituents that MAFF, the intervention board and the Environment Agency will put no pressure on the applicant to appeal against the decision, so that my residents' wishes are respected?

Mr. Rooker

Yes; not only will MAFF not put any pressure on the applicant to make an appeal, but, if the applicant makes an appeal, we will put no pressure on the appellate authorities.

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