§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with the European Commission about the compatibility with the EU Animal By-Products Regulation of her proposals to allow the composting of catering waste and its spreading on land. [89621]
§ Margaret BeckettThe UK was involved at all stages of negotiation of the EU Animal By-Products Regulation, and we consider our proposals on the composting of catering waste are in line with the requirements of that legislation, although we have asked the Commission for clarification on one point. We have also notified them or our proposals under the Technical Standards Directive.
§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will announce the Government's conclusions following her Department's consultation on changes to the Animal By-Products Order 1999 to allow the composting of catering waste and its spreading on land. [89622]
§ Margaret BeckettThe consultation period on the composting of catering waste closes on 12 February 2003. Taking into account the comments received in the consultation exercise, the final Statutory Instrument will be amended, made and announced as soon as possible thereafter.