§ Mr. ToddTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact on pet cremation services of current and proposed waste incineration and animal waste rules. [120605]
§ Mr. HillExpert consultants reported to my Department on the impact of the proposed waste incineration directive, including for pet crematoria, at the beginning of 1999. The report, "Regulatory and Environmental Impact Assessment of the Proposed Waste Incineration Directive" (Entec UK Ltd.) is in the House Library.
§ Mr. ToddTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what consultation has taken place with those offering pet cremation services on the implementation of the Waste Incineration Directive Common Position 7/2000. [120606]
§ Mr. HillAs part of the preparation of their report to my Department on the impact of the proposed waste incineration directive, expert consultants at the end of 1998 consulted two pet crematoria direct, including a site visit, and consulted the UK Private Pet Cemetery and Crematoria Association. A copy of the report, "Regulatory and Environmental Impact Assessment of the Proposed Waste Incineration Directive" by Entec UK Ltd. is in the House Library.
We now expect the proposal to be adopted as a Directive in the autumn, subject to the progress of the final stages of negotiation. The deadline for transposition into UK law will be two years after adoption. The proposal is therefore likely to apply to new plant from autumn 2002. Existing plant will not, however, have to comply until 5 years after adoption, ie autumn 2005.
7WWe are looking at implementation options, which will minimise the burden on pet crematoria while ensuring that there are appropriate environmental safeguards.