§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the average cost to farms of applying the provisions of the EU waste directive; and if she will make a statement. [18875]
§ Margaret Beckett[holding answer 28 November 2001]: We are preparing the regulations necessary to apply the provisions of the Waste Framework Directive to those types of agricultural waste which are not excluded from control under Article 2. On completion, we will issue a draft of the regulations for consultation with the farming industry and other interested groups. A Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) is also being prepared. The RIA will form part of the consultation paper and will assess the average cost to farms of applying the Directive's provisions. I will ensure that a copy of the consultation paper is sent to the hon. Member when it is issued.