§ Mr. Hancockasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what studies have been carried out to assess the effect of chemical fertilisers and pesticides on water supplies, and the long-term effect on soils and wildlife in agricultural land; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. FennerThere have in recent years been many studies relating to the effects of fertilisers and pesticides. My Department has been closely involved in a number of these, including a three-year study on the ecological effects of pesticides used in various ways at the Boxworth experimental farm, from which the report is now being finalised. My officials are also working currently with others on the forthcoming report of the nitrate coordination group, which concerns nitrate in water.