§ Lord Marlesfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many licences for the abstraction of water from bore holes and rivers respectively for agricultural and non-agricultural purposes respectively have been granted in each of the last 10 years.
Earl FerrersI regret that information is not at present available in the form requested. However, the108WA Environment Agency is working to implement its national abstraction licensing database by 1998 and such information should thereafter be readily accessible.
§ Lord Marlesfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their policy on the granting by the Environment Agency, as successor body to the National Rivers Authority, of licences for the abstraction of water from bore holes for agricultural irrigation.
Earl FerrersThe Environment Agency grants licences for the abstraction of water in order of receipt of application, provided water is available for abstraction with acceptable impact on the environment.