§ Mr. RichardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures are being taken in Wales this summer to warn farmers of the environmental dangers of silage effluent entering river systems; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThe National Rivers Authority recently issued a press release warning farmers of potential problems this year and urging that caution be exercised in the collection and disposal of silage effluent. The authority also offers advice to farmers by way of programmes of farm visits; by talks to representative organisations and by relevant leaflets which are available free of charge at the authority's offices.
The Government's code of good agricultural practice on the protection of water provides detailed practical advice on avoiding pollution. In addition, under the ADAS free farm visits programme, farmers are offered assistance with farm waste plans, or free pollution advice. The Government's farm waste plan programme launched in a pilot area last year is being extended into two further areas in Wales so that more farmers will have the opportunity of benefiting from these plans.