Lord Chelwoodasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will reconsider the Heather and Grass Burning (England and Wales) regulations 1983 (S.I. 1983/425) laying down new regulations in England and Wales for heather and grass burning and extending the season, so that the substantial changes concerned can be considered by an expert working party as was the case when new regulations for straw and stubble burning were made.
The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Earl Ferrers)Following an undertaking which was given by my honourable friend the Parliamentary Secretary during a debate in Standing Committee in another place, a working group is being set up to draft a code of practice on heather and grass burning. The principal bodies concerned will be invited to attend the first meeting on 17th May, at which there will also be an opportunity to discuss the regulations more widely.