§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he hopes to introduce regulations to control the disposal of farm wastes, to replace the code of good agricultural practice.
§ Mr. CurryWe have no plans to do so. The unconsented pollution of controlled waters, whether from farm wastes or any other cause, is already an offence under section 107 of the Water Act 1989. The Government recently increased from £2,000 to £20,000 the maximum fine applicable in magistrates courts for such offences. The forthcoming new code of good agricultural practice for the protection of water will give detailed practical advice to farmers on how to avoid pollution. Failure to comply with it could be taken into account in any legal proceedings for a pollution offence.