§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action his Department is taking to minimise agricultural pollution of rivers and seas in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. JackMy Department provides free advice to farmers on pollution prevention, has widely distributed free codes of good agricultural practice and has in place a significant research and development programme examining how to minimise pollution from farm wastes, nutrients and pesticides. In addition, 32 nitrate-sensitive areas have been designated, and consultation is currently taking place over designating 72 vulnerable zones under the EC nitrate directive with a view to reducing nitrate leaching. Furthermore, all pesticides are subject to strict approval arrangements which take into account their potential to pollute water. Regular reviews of older pesticides ensure that they continue to meet our strict safety standards. My Department also carries out research into the fate of various contaminants in coastal waters and makes a significant contribution to monitoring those waters through a national monitoring programme.