§ Mr. GillTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress he has made on the preparation of proposals for the designation of areas sensitive to nitrate leaching.
§ Mr. MacGregorThe Government yesterday tabled amendments to the Water Bill to provide for the designation of nitrate-sensitive areas. Following my written reply to the House on 22 March I am pleased to announce that my Department and the Welsh Office Agricultural Department have today issued a joint consultation document entitled "Nitrate-Sensitive Areas Scheme". This has been deposited in the Libraries of both Houses and is available in the Vote Office. It is also being circulated widely to some 170 farming, water, environmental and other interested parties. The document takes account of Government statements on the principles underlying a scheme and sets out the detailed ideas as a basis for discussion. We look forward to receiving comments on the issues covered in the document from a wide range of organisations.