§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the nature and extent of the problem of the illegal dumping of dead animals in the countryside and the measures he is taking to deal with it.
§ Mr. SoamesThe State Veterinary Service has been monitoring the situation closely and their recent reports indicate that although there are a few incidents of dumping it is not a widespread or persistent problem. However, whenever it does happen the service acts closely with local authorities to try to ensure that offenders are prosecuted. Moreover, legislation is being drawn up to implement the EC Directive on the disposal of animal waste (90/67 EEC) which will have the effect of increasing the penalties for the dumping of carcases.