§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what controls he exercises over(a) the disposal of (i) solid waste and (ii) open running liquid waste and (b) the spraying of blood from the Marchwiel abattoir, near Wrexham. [37455]
§ Mr. Jonathan EvansControls on slaughterhouses for disposal of waste materials are covered by the specified Bovine Materials (No 2) Order 1996, the Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1995 and the Fresh428W Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) (Amendment) Regulations 1995. The Specified Bovine Material Order has the effect of separating specified bovine material from other waste materials. This specified bovine material is then rendered and the remaining waste material incinerated. As indicated in the latest progress report on bovine spongiform encephalopathy in Great Britain (May 1996), a copy of which is in the Library of the House, the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee has advised Ministers that the current and proposed methods of dealing with waste material from the slaughter of cattle are safe. Minor amendments to the Specified Bovine Material Order are currently being considered to reflect SEAC's recommendations.
The Government are required by the EC framework directive on waste to take the measures necessary to ensure that waste is disposed of without endangering human health and without using processes or methods which could harm the environment. The main requirements of the directive are given effect in Great Britain in the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and related regulations. The Environment Agency (England and Wales) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency are responsible for the enforcement of the regulatory systems. Local authorities are responsible for the enforcement of some air pollution controls.