§ Mr. KidneyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will take steps to legislate to minimise the level of permitted odour during the transport of offal to the site of incineration. [52721]
§ Angela EagleThe transport of animal by-products (animal waste) is controlled under the Animal By-Products Order 1992 (as amended) which is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Among other matters, the 1992 Order requires that:
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- "1. Any animal by-product must be collected and transported in suitable containers or vehicles in such a way as to prevent leakage. The containers or vehicles must be adequately covered.
- 2. Vehicles, tarpaulin or other covers and reusable containers must be maintained in a clean condition."
Where necessary, local authorities may use the byelaw powers contained in section 82 of the Public Health Act 1936 and section 235 of the Local Government Act 1972 to prescribe times during which "noxious matter" may be carried through the streets in their area. These provisions also enable local authorities to require the vehicles used for the removal or carriage of "noxious matter" through their street to be properly constructed and covered.
We have received no evidence that these powers are not adequate and the Government have no plans to legislate further in relation to odour control in the context of the transport of animal waste.