§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the efficacy of byelaws and the Highways Act in limiting the abuse of straw burning by farmers in 1986; and if he has any conveniently available figures for the impending number of prosecutions of persons for alleged offences in relation to straw burning; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonThe indications are that there has been less careless or inconsiderate burning of straw during this year's harvest season. A combination of strengthened byelaws, and the Highways (Amendment) Act 1986, the publicity campaign mounted by my Department, and the code of practice issued by the National Farmers' Union have contributed greatly to this improvement in the situation.
From 1986 onwards, the Home Office will be recording separately the number of prosecutions under straw burning byelaws, but it will be some time before a complete picture is available.