§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps have been taken to prevent future damage to tomatoes in Essex from polluted water supplies.
Mr. Eldon GriffithThe Essex and Great Ouse River Authorities have made exhaustive tests to trace the origin of the substance in the water supply which affected tomato crops this year. They believe the source has been removed. Analytical work on plants, soil and water is continuing and indicates considerable improvement, but the residual effects of the original contamination take time to clear from rivers and reservoirs.
Temporary arrangements to supply tomato growers from alternative water sources during the planting season are being urgently explored. The advisory service of the Ministry of Agriculture will continue to advise individual growers on how best to protect their crops as updated analytical results become available.
A study is being made of methods of controlling the minute quantities of the pollutant still entering the river system and whether any degree of risk to tomato plants is involved.
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