§ Mr. Scott-Hopkinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated cost to the agricultural industry of complying with the regulations of the Prevention of River Pollution Act 1962; and if he will introduce means to alleviate this.
§ Mr. HoyI assume that the question refers to the Rivers (Prevention of Pollution) Act, 1961. It is not practicable to estimate the costs to the agricultural industry of complying with this Act. These will vary greatly from farm to farm, but I am not aware that there is any case for special measures of alleviation. The hon. Member will, of course, be aware that my Department's advisory services are always glad to give advice to farmers, without charge, on the disposal of effluent and indeed, under the Farm Improvement Scheme, grants may be available in appropriate cases towards the provision of means of sewage disposal from farm buildings.