§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent he has investigated changes in agricultural practices caused by the flooding and mudslide in Sussex in October; in what particular places; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald Thompson[holding answer 18 December 1987]: Severe surface water run-off and soil erosion was experienced on 7 October this year and subsequently on six areas of farmland in an area of the South Downs near Brighton during the exceptionally heavy rainfall during the first part of that month. Local advisers in the Department's Agricultural Development and Advisory Service have visited the sites affected and have provided advice at the request of the principal landowner concerned on measures to avoid recurrence of the problem.
ADAS is able to provide advice when requested on a range of measures that can be taken in response to these types of problems, including changes in cultivation or land management practices. The specific measures recommended will depend on the individual circumstances of the particular farm or location.