§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received concerning the health problems arising from the dumping of animal carcases; what action he is taking concerning the dumping of sheep in a mass open grave in Morton Wood, near Thornhill; what action he is taking to assist the knackery industry in Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway to prevent the growing dumping of animal carcases; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael Forsyth[holding answer 20 May 1991]: My right hon. Friend has received representations about the possibility of health problems arising from the improper disposal of animal carcases from a number of hon. Members, local authorities, farmers, trade and professional interests and members of the public in some areas of Scotland, most notably Dumfries and Galloway Region.
It is an offence under the Dogs Act 1906 to leave cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and equine carcases unburied and thereby exposed to dogs. Where this happens it is a matter for the police and local authorities. The Control of Pollution Act 1974 also contains powers which might be invoked where carcases are left unburied. The Scottish Office Agriculture and Fisheries Department has reminded local authorities, chief constables and river purification boards of their powers under the 1974 Act. In addition local branches of the National Farmers Union of Scotland in the areas concerned have been advised that their members should adhere to the law and act responsibly in disposing of carcases.
As with other industries, farmers are responsible for disposing of their waste within the existing framework of environmental and health controls. It would not, therefore, be justifiable to use taxpayers' money to subsidise the knacker industry. The Government have assisted in a number of other ways, but the best solution to both the problem of carcase dumping and the financial difficulties of the knacker trade is for the farmers to use the service and pay the charges required of them.