§ Mr. MartlewTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will consider introducing a system of nitrogen set-aside, to replace the present arrangement of land set-aside.
§ Mr. CurryLimiting nitrogen use is not a cost-effective or practical way of addressing the problem of surplus production under the common agricultural policy. However, rules concerning the quantity and timing of nitrogen fertiliser applications will in due course be introduced in nitrate vulnerable zones, in line with the provisions of the nitrate directive agreed at the Environment Council on 14 June.