HC Deb 09 July 1990 vol 176 cc102-3W
Mr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the percentage of the nitrogen load in the North sea off the British coast which has been caused by(a) agriculture and (b) forestry; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

Of the total nitrogen inputs to the North sea from all sources, some 80 per cent. is attributable to the inflow of water from the north Atlantic and English channel. The remainder is attributable to inputs from all countries via the atmosphere and rivers together with a small contribution—1 per cent.—from direct dumping and discharges. Of the total inputs of nitrogen, the contribution from United Kingdom agriculture and forestry, both via the atmosphere and rivers is estimated to be around 2 per cent. The greater part of this input derives from agriculture rather than forestry.