HC Deb 02 May 2002 vol 384 c944W
Mr. Breed

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the names, locations and percentage out of the total number of those commercial incinerators deemed adequate for the disposal of animals following a future animal disease outbreak. [53798]

Mr. Morley

Six commercial large-animal incinerators in England and Wales have indicated they are willing to dispose of animals culled under foot and mouth disease control measures. Negotiations and contractual arrangements have yet to be finalised and as a result, the names and locations cannot be disclosed. The total weekly disposal capacity of these six sites is approximately 17,000 sheep or 1,900 cattle.

At present, as set out in the Interim Contingency Plan, incineration will be the initial preferred disposal route in a disease outbreak, but in the event of escalation, additional disposal routes, including rendering and licensed commercial landfill, will be employed.