HC Deb 25 June 1996 vol 280 cc100-1W
Mr. Redmond

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the locations his Department is(a) using and (b) considering using for the storage of the remains of cattle aged 30 months or over following processing of carcases at rendering plants prior to final disposal; what is the estimated (i) maximum and (ii) minimum periods these remains will be at these storage sites; and if he will make a statement. [31559]

Mr. Boswell

The Intervention Board executive agency is currently storing the resultant material from animals rendered under the 30-month scheme at stores in Exeter, Belfast, Liverpool and Gloucestershire. Other locations will be considered in due course as it becomes apparent that more storage facilities are required.

As announced by the Minister on the 16 April, a number of options for the disposal of meat and bone meal produced at plants are under active consideration and in all cases full weight will be given to protecting the environment. The options include incineration and energy recovery. The period of storage will vary between stores and will depend on the final disposal route chosen.