§ Lord Gainfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
Following Lady Trumpington's reply on the 22nd March to Lord Gainford, what progress the Government have made on the preparation of the proposals for the designation of areas sensitive to nitrate leaching.
§ Baroness TrumpingtonThe Government yesterday tabled amendments to the Water Bill to provide for the designation of nitrate sensitive areas. Following my written reply to the House on 22nd March I am pleased to announce that my Department and the Welsh Office Agricultural Department have today issued a joint consultation document entitledNitrate Sensitive Areas Scheme. This has been deposited in the Libraries of both Houses and is available in the Printed Paper Office. It is also being circulated widely to some 170 farming, water, environmental and other interested parties. The document takes account of Government Statements on the principles underlying a scheme and sets out the detailed ideas as a basis for discussion. We look forward to receiving comments on the issues covered in the document from a wide range of organisations.