§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what controls he has over the use and storage of slurry and, in particular, the creation of slurry lagoons; and what studies or research projects he has initiated regarding the problems which agricultural slurry accumulation can create.
§ Mr. Denis HowellMy right hon. Friend has no direct controls. However, certain powers are available to local authorities under the Public Health Act 1936 in respect of nuisances and under the Rivers (Prevention of Pollution) Acts 1951 to 1961 in respect of water pollution offences. Under part II of the Control of Pollution Act 1974, which will be implemented towards the end of this year, there are powers for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and 549W Food to issue codes of agricultural practice and these may include the storage and disposal of certain farm wastes. Research work is being carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture, the Agricultural Research Council, various universities and the Scottish agricultural colleges. The studies include investigations into the design of slurry lagoons, corrosion in metal slurry stores and on slurry treatment with particular regard to odour prevention.