HC Deb 09 March 1999 vol 327 cc148-9W
31. Mr. Dawson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will ensure that local authorities continue to have the role of monitoring and setting environmental standards at animal rendering plants. [73443]

Mr. Meale

Animal rendering plants fall within the scope of EU directive 96/61 concerning integrated pollution prevention and control. My Department issued a third consultation paper on the implementation of this directive in December last year. Paragraph 52 of the paper specifically invited views on the proposal that animal rendering plants should be regulated by the Environment Agency rather than local authorities under the directive. The consultation period ended on 28 February. The Government will make a decision on future regulation of animal rendering plants thereafter.