§ 19. Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has any further plans to combat the pollution of rivers by the agricultural industry.
§ Mr. CurryMy right hon. Friend the Minister announced on 21 January that a pilot study would be drawn up to see if pollution could be reduced by the preparation and use by farmers of plans for the disposal of manure, slurry and other organic wastes. This will supplement existing measures to tackle river pollution from agriculture including new legislation setting minimum constructional standards for farm waste storage facilities, 50 per cent grant aid towards the cost of such facilities, an increased maximum fine available to magistrates for water pollution offences, free initial pollution advice by ADAS and a £2 million R and D programme.