§ Mr. Staintonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take immediate steps to stop the burning off of harvest stubble in drought areas, as is now occurring in the Long Melford district of Suffolk, either by agreement with the National Farmers' Union or by the use of statutory powers available to Her Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. BishopReports so far available to my Department show that the overwhelming majority of farmers in the dry areas have responded to advice not to burn, and I commend them for their restraint. Extensive publicity by Press and radio is continuing to emphasise the avoidance of fires in the countryside whilst the dry weather persists. Divisional officers are maintaining close contact with NFU county secretaries over local publicity.
In his speech to the Home Grown Cereals Authority last Wednesday my right hon. Friend asked farmers not to burn their straw and stubble during this dry weather and to set an example in avoiding fires in the countryside. In repeating this appeal to all farmers in dry areas I would add that straw residues should be baled or incorporated into soil after chopping. To avoid risks to people, property, crops and countryside, do not burn until rain makes it safe, and then observe the NFU code of practice.
Control of straw and stubble burning is now a matter for district councils through local byelaws which already apply in the Long Melford district.