§ Mr. Peter DuncanTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many nitrate-sensitive areas have been designated. [54859]
§ Mr. MeacherThere are 66 nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs) in England, which were designated in 1996.
In December 2001, in response to a European Court of Justice judgment, we consulted on options for completing implementation of the nitrates directive in England. These would involve either designating additional nitrate vulnerable zones, or applying measures to prevent and control nitrate pollution throughout England.
We are still considering the responses to this consultation, and will announce a decision in due course.