§ Mr. Boyesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment, further to his reply to the hon. Member for Houghton and Washington, Official Report, 18 December 1986, column 685, what progress has been made regarding consultations with farming interests; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveDiscussions are being held with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on the contribution which may be made by farming interests towards the reduction of nitrate levels in water. In addition officials have met representatives of the fertiliser industry, water authorities are being encouraged to meet local farmers, and I will be discussing the subject with the National Farmers Union at an early date.