§ Mr. HarveyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how he intends to set priorities for the implementation of Agri-Environment Regulation (2078/92).
§ Mr. CurryOur priorities, based on advice from Government agencies and others, include nitrate reduction measures where this is necessary to protect drinking water sources, reduction of livestock numbers where this will be environmentally beneficial, measures to increase the environmental benefits of set-aside, the encouragement of organic farming and the management of land for public access and recreation. Details of our proposals will be issued for consultation this winter. They are additional to the expansion of environmentally sensitive areas already under way.
§ Mr. HarveyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the relationship between the agri-environment package and the implementation of the national sustainability plan.
§ Mr. CurryMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment is consulting widely on the scope of the United Kingdom's report to the Sustainable Development Commission. Our proposals for agri-environment measures, on which we will also consult widely, will reflect Government commitments on agriculture and the environment.