§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food from what date the new Waste Foods Order will apply ; what consultations he has had with pig producers ; and what additional cost is expected to arise for the agricultural industry as a result of this latest move against swine vesicular disease.
§ Mrs. FennerThe new order bans from 1st February the use as a feeding stuff for animals or birds of any waste food brought into Great Britain. From 1st July all premises where waste food is collected or processed must meet the requirements set out in the order. The National Farmers' Unions of England and Wales and of Scotland have been kept fully informed of the proposals in the order and support them. The standards set out in the order may require expenditure by swill users but the amount will vary according to individual circumstances. In terms of overall advantage 43W I would expect that the result of this legislation will be beneficial to the agricultural industry as a whole in reducing the animal health risks associated with waste food. It will help to avoid the recycling of swine vesicular disease through inadequately treated swill and also reduce the possibility of foot-and-mouth disease and swine fever being reintroduced into this country through waste food.