§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many local meetings his Ministry has held with farmers to advise them about reducing nitrate applications in the areas where the level of nitrate exceeds the 50mg litre limit.
§ Mr. GummerEight local meetings have been held during 1988 specifically to discuss the nitrate pollution issue and what farmers can do to help reduce nitrate leaching to water resources. These meetings form part of a publicity campaign run jointly by the Ministry and seven other interested organisations. They are not confined to particular areas but are organised wherever sufficient farmers seek information on the subject. In addition, the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service answers questions on the nitrate issue at many other meetings of farmers.