§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the contribution made to the increased nitrate levels in public water supplies of the increased use of nitrate fertilisers in agriculture; and if any figures are available to quantify the percentage increase in nitrate usage in agriculture over the past five and 10 years, respectively.
§ Mrs. FennerThe extent to which increased use of nitrate fertilisers has contributed to increased nitrate levels in public water supplies is dependent on a number of factors such as the nature of the ground, the method of farming, changes in land usage and climate. Government Departments and other agencies are carrying out research studies in order to provide further information.
The total amount of all nitrogen fertilisers used in agriculture increased by some 15 per cent. between 1972–73 and 1976–77 and by a further 29 per cent. between 1976–77 and 1981–82.