§ Mr. SimpsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many farms in England are still affected by restriction notices imposed due to contamination following the Chernobyl nuclear accident; what land area these farms constitute; and what percentage of available farmland in England this represents. [28600]
§ Mrs. BrowningWhen restrictions were first introduced, they covered about 197,000 hectares which affected over 1,670 holdings. Restrictions now apply to 66 farms occupying a land area of around 14,568 hectares, which represents about 0.1 per cent. of available farmland in England. An intensive survey is taking place this summer to establish the scope for further derestrictions.