§ Mr. NormanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the burial sites(a) in use and (b) being constructed for the purpose of burying the carcases of animals in connection with the prevention of foot and mouth disease comply with (i) the provisions regarding the protection of groundwater in the EU Groundwater Directive of 1978 and (ii) the provisions of the EU directive on the landfill of waste of April 1999 concerning arrangements for the protection of soil and water via leachate collection and bottom sealing. [156820]
§ Mr. MeacherThe Government are aware of the need to comply with all relevant EU Directives during the current foot and mouth outbreak. The principal Directive concerning animal burial is the Animal Waste Directive (90/667/EEC), Article 3(2) of which contains requirements for environmental protection. These requirements are met through close co-operation between this Department, MAFF and the Environment Agency, and through the authorisation procedure in the Groundwater Directive. The Agency continues to carry out an assessment of both existing and proposed burial sites and, subject to the risk, authorises the burial imposing any necessary conditions for the protection of groundwater.