§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what studies he has instituted in Scotland with regard to pollution in relation to the agriculture industry; and what recommendations he intends to make.
§ Mr. Hugh D. Brown:My Department undertakes regular surveillance of the use of pesticides and other chemicals used in agriculture and carried out surveys of manure disposal systems on intensive pig farms (1974) and intensive poultry farms (1976) in Scotland. These surveys and studies carried out by other bodies, including the Agricultural Research Council and the Scottish agricultural colleges, 807W formed the background to the evidence submitted to the Royal Commission on environmental pollution on my behalf. The Commission is meantime studying pollution in relation to agriculture, and future policies will be determined in the light of its report.