§ Mr. MaginnisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will indicate the respects in which the provisions in England and Wales for the disposal of fallen and diseased animals diverge from the standards applying in the EC for the environment with particular reference to the possible pollution of water resources through on-farm burial and how it is monitored.
§ Mr. BaldryThe disposal of fallen and diseased animals from premises used for agriculture is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The disposal of such animals from other premises must comply with the provisions in the Control of Pollution Act 1974 and the Environmental Protection Act 1990. These Acts meet the requirements of EC legislation on the disposal of waste. The National Rivers Authority is a statutory consultee for waste disposal licensing and is also responsible for monitoring water pollution in England and Wales in order to ensure compliance with EC legislation.