§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is yet prepared to announce an extension of time before enforcing the new swill regulations which come into effect at the end of June.
§ Mr. MoyleIn the light of the review referred to in my reply to the hon. Member for Melton (Mr. Latham) on 1st May —[Vol. 872, c. 475.]— and of the views of interested organisations, an announcement was made on 3rd June. This was to the effect that the Agricultural Departments appreciate that some swill feeders or collectors may be prevented by factors outside their direct control from complying fully by 1st July, 1974 with the Diseases of Animals (Waste Food) Order 1973. The Agricultural Departments are, therefore, prepared to treat such cases sympathetically by the granting of individual temporary exemption certificates for up to six months.
Before granting a certificate the Departments must be satisfied that all efforts are being made to bring the premises in question up to the full standards required by the 1973 order as quickly as possible, that the existing plant is capable of processing waste food to the required temperature standard—one hour at 100°C or equivalent authorised method—and that in general the construction, management and operation of the processing or holding premises are such that those premises do not present a significant disease risk to susceptible stock. Premises which do not comply with these basic requirements represent an unacceptable health risk and will not be granted temporary exemptions. 675W From 1st July 1974 all other provisions of the 1973 order will apply in full.
§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied that the local authorities are adequately prepared to handle the additional quantities of swill which will become their responsibility at the end of this month.
§ Mr. MoyleLocal authorities already dispose of large quantities of household and catering waste, including waste food. Any increase resulting from unlicensed676W waste food users discontinuing their swill rounds should not pose particular problems.