§ Mr. Martenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make an order to prohibit straw burning after harvesting in dry areas of the country in view of the danger of tire; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StrangI entirely agree that straw and stubble burning in areas subject to drought would be most inadvisable, but control of this activity is exercised by district councils through local byelaws. These are based on a model byelaw prepared by the Home Office in consultation with my Department and the National Farmers Union. They currently cover 44 districts and two counties, mostly in the arable districts of England and Wales.
My Department gives extensive publicity through the press and on radio to the need to avoid farm fires and I understand that the National Farmers Union is advising farmers in dry areas not to burn straw and stubble whilst the dry weather lasts. I strongly endorse this advice and appeal to all users of the countryside including visitors to take great care in avoiding starting fires in dry areas and especially not to throw away lighted cigarettes or matches.