HC Deb 27 May 2004 vol 421 c1740W
Mr. Drew

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the new Fallen Stock Scheme is expected to commence; and what level of support it has achieved. [174790]

Mr. Bradshaw

[holding answer 21 May 2004.]: As announced by the National Fallen Stock Company on 13 May, the Scheme is expected to commence in the autumn. It has the backing of the major farming unions and livestock organisations, but we will not know the level of support it has among farmers until the Scheme begins.

Mr. Gray

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the oral answer of 20 May 2004,Official Report, columns 1079–80, on fallen stock, if she will give guidance to local authorities on how to implement the EU Animal By-Products Regulations with a light touch before the national fallen stock scheme is in operation. [176295]

Mr. Bradshaw

Guidance has already been provided to local authorities and a copy is available in the Library of the House.