§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions officials of his Department have had with the Somerset trust for nature conservation regarding water levels on the Somerset moors.
§ Mr. CurryOur officials have received representations from the Somerset trust for nature conservation pressing for a higher water level regime on the Somerset moors. Its views will be fully taken into account in my current review of the ESA policy.
§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what provisions are contained in Somerset levels ESA agreements on the maintenance of water levels to assist nature conservation.
§ Mr. CurryThe agreements require that, where rhyne water levels are within the farmers' control, suitable levels must be maintained for grazing livestock between 31 March and 1 November and that at no time are the ditches or rhynes allowed to dry out.