HC Deb 26 March 1998 vol 309 c213W
Mr. Levitt

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the economic impact of the EC Groundwater Regulations on farmers in the tenth decile rank of income who use sheep dip. [36050]

Angela Eagle

The Government are currently consulting on proposed regulations to improve the transposition of the EC Groundwater Directive. Their potential impact on all economic sectors, including sheep farming, is being addressed as part of the consultation process, and a compliance cost assessment of the proposals will be published when the Regulations are laid before Parliament.

Mr. Levitt

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the proportion of registered sheep dips in England which have a direct drain into watercourses. [36049]

Angela Eagle

This information is not held centrally. However, the Government issued a consultation paper in January on proposed regulations to improve the transposition of the EC Groundwater Directive (a copy of which is in the Library of the House). These would provide for enhanced controls over activities such as sheep dipping and the disposal of spent sheep dip. As a result of these measures, information on the number and location of sheep dips will become available to the Environment Agency.

Mr. Levitt

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to reduce the environmental impact of poorly managed sheep dips. [36051]

Angela Eagle

The proposed regulations to improve the transposition of the EC Groundwater Directive on which the Government are currently consulting, provide for enhanced controls over activities, including sheep dipping, or the disposal of waste, including spent sheep dip, which pose a threat to groundwater.

Clear advice on what farmers must do to avoid pollution is already contained in the leaflet 'Sheep Dipping', issued jointly by the Health and Safety Executive, Veterinary Medicines Directorate, Environment Agency and SEPA. A revised version of the leaflet was launched on 12 March.