§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she intends to introduce secondary legislation to implement the European Animal By-Products Regulation. [114177]
§ Margaret Beckett[holding answer 16 May 2003]: The regulation is directly applicable in the UK. The national implementing legislation which came into force on 821W 1 July does not repeat its provisions, but gives effect to the regulation by providing for offences, powers of entry, etc.
Because of the elections in Scotland and Wales the consultation on their implementing legislation was delayed. As yet it is not known exactly when the statutory instruments will be in place in the devolved areas, although I am advised that the Scottish Executive are working to a timetable of 1 October. We are working closely with the industry to ensure effective implementation.