§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to harmonise the situation between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom, relating to the costs incurred by farmers disposing of SRM; and if he will make a statement. [22442]
§ Mr. RookerThe cost of disposal of Specified Risk Material (SRM), other than that arising under the Over Thirty Months Scheme, which is the responsibility of the Intervention Board Executive Agency, whether in Northern Ireland or the rest of the United Kingdom, is a commercial matter between the abattoir and those who collect this material. Similarly, any recovery of those costs from its farmer suppliers is a commercial matter for abattoirs in the light of their own individual circumstances. I have no plans to intervene.