To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the Animal By-Products Regulation with regard to the burial of (a) domestic animals in pet cemeteries and (b) livestock in domestic locations. [102651]

[holding answer 17 March 2003]: No specific assessment has been made of the burial of domestic animals in pet cemeteries and of livestock in domestic locations.However, under a Derogation the Regulation permits the burial of any animal belonging to species normally nourished and kept, but not consumed, by humans for purposes other than farming.The burial of livestock is not permitted.