§ Mr. Geoffrey Lloydasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what research he is undertaking into the effect of the increased use of nitrate fertilisers in water supply catchment areas.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonA special study of the effects on the mineralisation of water resulting from the use of fertilisers on land was carried out by the Department's Chemical Inspectorate last year. The study was concerned with the effects of fertilisers on the nitrate, sulphate, chloride, potassium contents of water and on the hardness of water. It was concluded that there was no immediate cause for concern and this conclusion was confirmed by the standing committee on water quality of the Water Resources Board and the Association of River Authorities.