§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representation he has received from farming businesses over the National River Authority's proposals to charge(a) for discharge consents and (b) for the monitoring of pure water supplies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryPrior to the National Rivers Authority issuing its formal proposals on charges for discharge168W consents, the Department received representations from individuals and organisations in the fish farming industry, a watercress grower and the Country Landowners Association. These were conveyed to the authority, which took them into account in formulating its proposals. The authority does not have plans to charge for the monitoring of pure water supplies. Earlier this year, the Government issued a consultation paper on private water supplies, which contained details of a proposed local authority charging regime for monitoring. The comments received are being considered by the Departments concerned.