Animal Waste (Hansard, 29 July 1998)

§ Mr. Evans
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 3 July 1998,Official Report, columns 317–18, what guidance his Department has issued on how the livestock industry will dispose of waste in a safe and sustainable manner. [53234]

§ Mr. Rooker
In March 1998, the Department wrote to representatives of the farming industries, asking them to urge their members to continue to use knackers' yards or hunt kennels to dispose of their fallen stock, particularly for larger animals. The letter reminded them that, if carcases are buried on-farm, the provisions in the Code of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Water (published in 1991) must be followed to minimise the risk of causing water pollution. On 2 July 1998, the Department issued a guidance note on the disposal of animal waste, including burial.

§ Mr. Evans
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his Department's consultation with farming representatives on disposal of fallen stock. [53194]

§ Mr. Rooker
It is for the livestock industry to take responsibility for disposing of its waste in a safe and sustainable manner, and to work out how best to achieve this. Nevertheless, the Department is willing to facilitate a solution and met with representatives of the National Farmers' Union, the National Farmers' Union of Scotland, the Farmers' Union of Wales, the Ulster Farmers' Union, the Tenant Farmers' Association, the British Pig Association, the National Sheep Association and the National Cattle Association on 9 February 1998, and with the National Farmers' Union on 19 March 1998, to discuss the disposal of fallen stock and possible future arrangements. Officials are continuing to maintain contact with the National Farmers' Union.

§ Mr. Evans
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his policy towards the building of incineration plants. [53195]

§ Mr. Rooker
The Government recognise that, in the absence of a viable market for some animal waste products, incineration plants could play a useful role in their disposal. Such plants must, however, comply with all relevant environmental legislation and be subject to the usual requirements of Local Planning Authorities.