HC Deb 25 March 2004 vol 419 cc987-8W
Mr. Paterson

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what powers she has to prevent local authority officers enforcing the Animal By-Products Regulations in the absence of the introduction of the Fallen Stock Subscription Scheme. [158737]

Mr. Bradshaw

No such powers are available. However, Defra has requested that local authorities continue to take a pragmatic approach to enforcement in regard to the disposal of fallen stock.

Mr. Paterson

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what instructions or advice she has given local authority enforcement officers in respect of enforcement of the Animal By-Product Regulations and the disposal of fallen stock. [158738]

Mr. Bradshaw

Local authorities, through the LACORS website, have been made aware of the delay and the continuing request that they take a pragmatic approach to enforcement as stated in the news release issued by Defra on 24 February. In addition a letter is being sent to LACORS setting out the Government's guidance on enforcement and a copy is being placed in the Library of the House.

Mr. Paterson

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she has notified the European Commission as to her instructions and advice to enforcement officers in respect of the enforcement of the Animal By-Products Regulations. [158740]

Mr. Bradshaw

We have notified the European Commission that we have provided guidance and initial training for enforcement bodies and that guidance and a large amount of information on the Animal By-Products Regulations is available on the Defra website.

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