§ Diana OrganTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how her Department plans to demonstrate to the European Commission that it is complying with the new Regulation of Animal By-Product disposal; and if she will make a statement. [107693]
§ Mr. MorleyMember States must ensure that
adequate arrangements are in place, and that a sufficient infrastructure existsto ensure compliance with the new rules. The collection and disposal industries advise that there is sufficient capacity within the existing infrastructure to deal with the estimated additional quantities of fallen stock arising from the ban on burial which comes into effect from 1 May. In addition, there will be a requirement for record keeping which will ensure that all animals which die on-farm are accounted for and disposed of through permitted routes.
§ Diana OrganTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what funds she has made available to the livestock industry to assist with costs incurred as a result of the implementation of the EU Animal By-Products Registration.[107594]
§ Mr. MorleyNo funds have been made to the livestock industry to help them meet the costs of complying with the EU Animal By-Products Regulation. However, Government are willing to contribute to the establishment of a national fallen stock collection scheme provided that part of the costs are met by farmers themselves. We plan to write to livestock farmers shortly to invite expressions of interest in a voluntary subscription scheme to meet farmers' contribution to the costs.