§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what guidance he has issued to farmers faced with costs arising from the disposal of fallen stock; [4655]
(2) what assessment he has made of the level of incentives available to encourage farmers to dispose of fallen stock according to best practice; and if he will make a statement. [4656]
319W
§ Mr. RookerFarmers should dispose of all fallen stock in line with applicable legislation and codes of good practice. It is in their own interests to do so.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what is his policy in respect of the disposal of fallen stock by use of ditches and similar locations in the countryside; [4657]
(2) what steps he is taking to discourage the disposal by farmers of fallen stock around the countryside. [4658]
§ Mr. RookerFallen stock should be disposed of in a way that prevents the spread of disease and does not pollute water. It is an offence under the Animal By-Products Order 1992 (as amended) to leave carcases in ditches or similar locations around the countryside. It is also an offence under the Dogs Act 1906 knowingly to leave carcases unburied at places where dogs can gain access. However, burial is a permitted method of disposal of fallen stock provided that the carcase is buried at sufficient depth to place it beyond the reach of carnivorous animals. Guidance is provided to farmers in the MAFF Code of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Water and burial must be in ground where contamination of water cannot occur.