-IN response to C Daniel (letters: June 11) accusing me of inaction over Nightingale Hall Farm. There are no plans to 'burn BSE' at the farm only tallow or may be of meat and bonemeal produced largely from animals culled under the over 30 months scheme.

I was assured by Agriculture Minister Jeff Rooker in May '97 that BSE infected material does not enter Nightingale Hall Farm. The first meeting I arranged as an MP was with Mr Rooker to discuss this and I referred to the matter in my maiden speech in the House. Jeff and I also discussed the issue with a member of the Fight the Furnace campaign at a meeting I organised in Lancaster and I have regularly raised the subject with him at the House of Commons. I recently wrote to ask for a meeting with local campaigners and myself to hand over the petition against the incinerators.

I devised the petition and spent a lot of time distributing and collating it as well as encouraging people to sign it in Market Square. I have asked a series of questions and written to the minister to stress the desirability of burning it in power stations rather than Lancaster.

I intervened in a speech by Jack Cunningham to stress the problems caused by Nightingale Hall Farm. I regularly apply for an adjournment debate; as this is a matter for ballot and I have not so far been lucky enough to obtain one. I secured the agreement from the Planning Inspector which ensured locals were able to take a full part in the Public Inquiry in to Fats and Proteins' appeal and I arranged and attended two meetings to help prepare people to participate and I appeared as a witness at the inquiry.

The Planning Inspector will make a report to the Secretary of State for Environment, Transport and the Regions who will make the final decision. I have written to John Prescott to report the widespread concern about NHF but as an MP I will not be allowed to intervene between the report and the Secretary's decision. C Daniel's comments show he does not fully understand the process. I have met the management of Fats and Proteins on several visits to NHF with council officials and with members of the FtF campaign. I have taken steps to try to assist them to achieve the relocation which they and I desire. I have also tried to persuade the county council to insist on Farm lorries using a route which avoids city centre and suburban areas.

I know Colin Pickthall MP well and have discussed his particular incinerator problem and also raised the issues of rendering and BSE disposal with other colleagues. When I judge the time to be right I will table an Early Day Motion which other MPs will have the opportunity to sign. I'm always open to suggestions and gladly acknowledge the tremendous commitment of those who live with the problem and am determined to do everything I can to achieve its relocation. C Daniel's allegation of "inaction" is simply absurd.

Hilton Dawson MP

House of Commons

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