§ Baroness Strangeasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they are taking to reduce agricultural pollution in water.
§ Baroness BlatchI have today laid before the House regulations made under the Water Act 1989 that from 1st March 1991 will set minimum national standards that must be met by silage, slurry and agricultural fuel oil installations. We are delighted to have been able to act so swiftly to implement a commitment in the environment White Paper.
These regulations reflect the Government's determination to reduce the unacceptably high number of pollution incidents caused by agriculture which have been reported in recent years. They supplement the general requirement under the Water Act 1989 for farmers to avoid pollution. This may require farmers in particular local circumstances to take additional precautions.
The regulations will apply to all new or substantially extended and reconstructed installations. The National Rivers Authority will also be able to require that existing installations meet some or all of the standards in cases where there is a significant risk of pollution.
These regulations represent one of a number of measures being taken by the government to reduce farm pollution. These include the availability of generous grant-aid towards waste handling facilities, and the provision of free initial advice to help farmers avoid pollution.
We shall keep the operation of the regulations under review and introduce further measures if necessary.