§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action his Department is taking to reduce the incidence of river and ground water pollution by silage effluent.
§ Mr. RyderAs well as offering 50 per cent. grants for silage effluent facilities, the highest in the European Community, my Department provides free initial advice to farmers on pollution avoidance and is helping the Department of the Environment prepare regulations on minimum standards for silage plant. We fully support tough action by the water authorities over prosecutions of farmers who pollute rivers.