§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State what progress has been made by the independent review panel commissioned to consider further written representations from consultees dissatisfied with the Government's response, published in May, to the consultation on proposed nitrate vulnerable zones. [41096]
§ Mr. GummerThe independent review panel, chaired by Mr. Terence Etherton QC, has completed its work. Today my right hon. Friends the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Secretary of State for Wales and I have published the panel's report. It is being sent to all those who submitted further written representations to the panel.
We are impressed by the quality of the report and, subject to resolution of the issues which it recommends us to consider further, including with the National Rivers Authority, we intend to be guided by its recommendations.
The panel received 87 submissions relating to 29 of the 72 proposed nitrate vulnerable zones. It has considered these submissions to assess whether the Government's published methodology has been correctly and consistently applied in drawing up the boundaries of the proposed zones. The report presents the panel's views on the case made by each objector, in relation to a specific proposed zone, and makes recommendations for Government to consider. It also presents the arguments for and against the proposed surface water zone at Nayland, and the panel's conclusions on the proposed designation. Furthermore, the report also discusses various issues of principle raised in the submissions received by the panel.
The panel has had a difficult task in dealing with a great deal of information in a relatively short period of time and we are grateful for its endeavours.
I am placing copies of the panel's report in the Library.