§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide figures for the number of fallen cattle, sheep and pigs removed by licensed knackers yard operators in 1988, 1990 and 1991.
§ Mr. SoamesPrecise figures are not available but it is estimated that currently licensed knackers yards probably handle in excess of half a million fallen sheep, cattle and pigs annually.
§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the adequacy of current regulations to ensure that fallen sheep, cattle and pigs are handled only by licensed knackers yard operators.
§ Mr. SoamesThere are a number of methods available to farmers for the disposal of fallen stock, including removal to a licensed knackers yard. Proper burial and incineration are also acceptable disposal methods, as is removal to hunt kennels.
Exports of carcase meal 1985 to 1991 Thousand tonnes 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 Lamb and mutton 48.8 60.1 71.2 76.0 89.3 79.8 83.1 Pork 43.4 50.5 43.6 52.7 52.5 50.0 75.1 Bacon and ham 5.7 5.8 4.9 5.1 5.5 5.0 4.9 Veal 0.6 1.9 2.7 1.3 1.4 0.4 1.1 Beef 184.1 184.1 188.8 131.7 150.9 121.9 133.0 Total 282.6 302.4 311.2 266.8 299.6 257.1 297.3 240W
Imports of carcase meat 1985 to 1991 Thousand tonnes 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 From the EC Lamb and mutton 0.8 0.3 0.4 1.5 1.8 2.0 2.1 Pork 28.5 29.3 44.3 56.4 89.9 79.8 74.6 Bacon and ham 262.0 256.1 258.8 255.0 258.4 258.7 253.3 Veal 3.4 4.7 3.7 2.2 1.4 1.1 7.3 Beef 121.7 173.8 187.9 211.4 170.7 138.6 143.5 Total 416.4 464.2 495.1 526.5 522.2 480.2 480.8 From non-EC Lamb and mutton 172.5 142.1 153.8 134.9 135.3 151.8 121.6 Pork 7.3 4.5 4.8 4.2 4.0 1.2 0.6 Bacon and ham 2.4 2.2 1.4 1.3 1.6 1.1 0.6 Veal 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Beef 53.5 49.5 49.7 53.2 46.6 36.5 38.8 Total 235.7 198.3 209.7 193.6 187.5 190.6 161.6
§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he proposes to take to prevent the illicit dumping of the carcases of fallen animals.
§ Mr. SoamesThe State Veterinary Service acts in close concert with local authorities so that action can be taken against illegal dumping of carcases. Illegal dumping is an offence under the Dogs Act 1906 but the intention is to increase penalties for such activities when legislation to implement Community rules in relation to the disposal of animal waste is introduced.