§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what area of farmland has suffered from pollution following the fire at Donnington, Shropshire; what monitoring his Department is undertaking; and what criteria he will use in deciding whether to take emergency powers to protect human health under the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonAn area of farmland of about 162 hectares immediately downwind of the fire, covering two farms, has been affected by deposited ash and particles. The Ministry immediately undertook an extensive survey of vegetation in the area covered by the smoke plume extending across Shropshire to the Welsh border; no asbestos was found in these samples. A more intensive survey in the immediate vicinity of the fire has found some evidence of local deposition of asbestos in the debris; further analysis of food crops grown in the vicinity of the fire is in progress.
The criteria for action under part I of the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 are listed in section 1(1) of the Act. Advice has been given to farmers in the affected area to keep livestock under cover and I understand the local environmental health officer has advised householders to wash fruit and vegetables from their garden.