§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration the Government have given to the representations made by farmers and landowners concerning the European Commission's nitrate directive regarding the limit of nitrate per litre of drinking water; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SoamesThe main concern of farmers and landowners is that any nitrate limit should be based on the best and most up-to-date scientific and medical advice available. We share that concern and have urged the Commission to take it fully into account in its current review of the drinking water directive (80/778/EEC).436W Separately we published a consultation paper on 18 May inviting farmers, landowners and others to comment on our proposals to designate vulnerable zones under the nitrate directive (91/676/EEC).