Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 8 September 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 October 2003. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Monday, 6 October 2003 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what guidance she offers to farmers wishing to dispose of (a) farm plastics and (b) silage wrap. - Inc ref to the Codes of Good Agricultural Practice.

Answer: Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what guidance she offers to farmers wishing to dispose of (a) farm plastics and (b) silage wrap. [129267] Mr. Morley: Current guidance to farmers wishing to dispose of (a) farm plastics and (b) silage wrap is contained in the Codes of Good Agricultural Practice. However, we will shortly be consulting on Regulations to apply the controls necessary under the Waste Framework Directive to agricultural waste. The Regulations will prohibit the burial and uncontrolled burning of agricultural waste. Until these Regulations come into force we can only encourage farmers to dispose of their waste in ways that are not harmful to the environment and human health. Within the consultation exercise, we will also be seeking comments on the options for a scheme to collect and recycle farm plastics. The consultation will be issued in late 2003.

Secondary information