§ 26. Ms. WalleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to reduce pollution in rivers arising from agricultural activities.
§ Mr. GummerMy Department warns farmers of the dangers of polluting rivers and the severe fines which successful prosecution brings with it. I myself reinforced these views at a recent conference on silage effluent and my Department continues to support water authority action to encourage farmers to avoid pollution. Grants for tanks to handle silage and slurry effluent are available at the rate of 60 per cent. in the less-favoured areas and 30 per cent. elsewhere.