§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with banks regarding the waiving of interest payments of debts accrued directly as a result of the foot and mouth outbreak; and if he will make a statement. [158723]
§ Mr. MeacherI refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Eastbourne (Mr. Waterson) on 6 April 2001Official Report, columns 319–20W. In addition to the sympathetic approach which the banks have announced, the Government announced on 6 April an extension to the Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme to assist businesses suffering cash flow problems due to the effects of foot and mouth. When the Revenue agrees 586W to deferral of tax or National Insurance Contributions because a business is in serious financial difficulty due to the effects of foot and mouth, neither interest nor surcharges will be payable on deferred tax and National Insurance Contributions over the period they are deferred.
§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to the Minister for the Environment's oral statement of 23 April 2001,Official Report, column 32, if he will initiate an immediate study into (a) the formation of dioxins due to combustion of chlorinated compounds in carcases burnt by napalm and (b) the formation of poly-aromatic hydrocarbons due to reactions involving naphtha compounds in napalm. [159231]
§ Mr. Meacher[holding answer 27 April 2001]: The chemical reactions from burning napalm are already well understood. Napalm is therefore not being used to burn carcases, as both forms of napalm available produce very toxic compounds when they burn.