§ 27. Mr. SteenTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to reduce chemical pollution arising from farmlands.
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§ Mr. JackThe Government operate an extensive programme of measures to control chemical pollution from farmland. Recent measures include the extension of the nitrate sensitive area scheme to protect a further 28 water sources; the proposed designation of 72 nitrate vulnerable zones in England and Wales where agricultural activities will be controlled; the issue and promotion of codes of good agricultural practice for the protection of air, soil and water from agricultural activities; a code of practice for the safe use of pesticides on farms and holdings; and a £10 million research and development programme. In addition we recently announced that in seven river catchments including Slapton Ley we will be carrying out an extensive promotion campaign to provide farm waste management plans aimed at avoiding water pollution.