§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will introduce regulations requiring the regular inspection and certification of silage and slurry facilities on a basis similar to the vehicle MOT test;
(2) if he will ensure that the proposed National Rivers Authority has sufficient resources available to advise farmers on how to improve the integrity of silage and slurry facilities as a means of reducing pollution incidents.
§ Mr. MoynihanThe regulations we propose to introduce under section 31(4) of the Control of Pollution Act 1974—COPA—will require new or extended facilities to meet specified standards of construction and will allow the National Rivers Authority to serve enforcement notices in respect of existing facilities which pose significant pollution risks.
Additionally, water authorities already have powers under COPA to inspect waste facilities and to take any necessary action to prevent water pollution occurring.
Farmers will be able to obtain advice on the avoidance of pollution from silage and slurry installations from either the National Rivers Authority or the agriculture development advisory service.