DISPOSAL OF FALLEN STOCK

Early day motion 967, tabled 26 March 2003 by John Hayes (Conservative). Signed by 50 members.

That this House regrets that DEFRA ministers have been slow to address farmers' concerns about the EU Animal By-Products Regulation and specifically the arrangements for the implementation of these regulations; believes that DEFRA ministers continue to underestimate the scale of the problem and have failed to promote clear guidance for farmers relating to the issue; notes that there is no sound scientific evidence that demonstrates that the correct burying of dead animals on-farm causes either human or animal health problems; has grave concerns about the financial implications for the industry that a fallen stock charge would bring; and, given the financial arrangements for fallen stock schemes in other countries, also has grave concerns about its effects on the competitiveness of British agriculture; and urges the Government to address the uneven geographical distribution of disposal facilities, notably incineration plants, in implementing such a policy.

Signatures by party: Conservative 41, Liberal Democrat 4, Plaid Cymru 2, UUP 2, Independent Conservative 1.