§ 49. Mr. TredinnickTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps his Department have taken to investigate the use of nitrates in intensive farming; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacGregorMy Department supports a wide range of research into the efficient use of both organic and inorganic fertiliser, and ways of reducing nitrate leaching. This indicates that the process of nitrate leaching is complex and that the use of nitrogen fertilisers is one of a number of factors affecting it.
§ 64. Mr. George HowarthTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the Government's response to the recent European community directive on agriculture practices and nitrates in water.
§ Mr. RyderThe European Community directive referred to is only a proposal at this stage and the Government are still examining it. Our general view on how the nitrate problem should be tackled was, however, explained in my right hon. Friend's written reply of 24 November.