§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the long-term damage to wildlife of lochs, streams, and rivers caused by chronic pollution from agricultural runoff, after slurry has been spread on fields.
§ Mr. CurryLand run-off accounts for approximately 10 per cent. of serious pollution incidents caused by agriculture, and about 2 per cent. of serious incidents from all causes. The Department is helping to support a research project designed to provide detailed information on the effect of land use on river quality and fish populations in the River Torridge catchment. We share the concern to reduce farm pollution of watercourses and the Government have introduced a wide range of measures designed to help achieve this.