§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects to revoke the various emergency restrictions imposed in response to the Chernobyl disaster. [17051]
§ Mrs. Gwilym JonesRadiocaesium contamination from the Chernobyl accident continues to affect certain upland areas of sheep grazing in north Wales. Although there has been a general decline in the activity of the radiocaesium the actual rate of decline depends on the interaction of a number of factors such as soil type, vegetation, weather, drainage and sheep grazing preference. The variable interaction between these factors does not enable an accurate forecast to be made of the length of time sheep controls will be required.
Regular monitoring of radiocaesium levels in sheep, and other relevant information, enables suitable areas to be identified for a comprehensive survey and assessment to determine the prospects for removing controls. Following such work my right hon. Friend was able to lift controls from over 65 sq k in the Snowdon area on 17 January 1996. The area originally affected by sheep controls was approximately 4,100 sq k, but has now been reduced to approximately 580 sq k.
§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what research he has commissioned to assess the long-term effects of the Chernobyl incident on(a) Welsh agriculture and (b) land use in the affected areas. [17052]
§ Mr. JonesIn Wales land affected by the Chernobyl accident is predominantly confined to certain upland areas of north Wales used for sheep grazing. Other than restrictions on the movement and slaughter of sheep from those areas there have been no long-term effects of Welsh agriculture or land use.
Research has identified ways to immobilise the transference of radioactivity through certain technical remedies and chemical land treatments. However, the potential adverse effect such land treatment could have on the natural environment of the area and the practical application of the other treatments are not necessarily appropriate to the area covered by restrictions. At present, the mark and release scheme remains the most satisfactory means of securing the protection of food chain safety and ensuring that normal sheep marketing practices within the restricted area continue with minimum disruption to farmers.
§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received concerning the revocation of the emergency restrictions imposed in response to the Chernobyl incident. [17053]
§ Mr. JonesGeneral inquiries are sometimes received about the length of time sheep restrictions will be required. Our policy of regularly informing farmers affected by restrictions and their unions of the current position is intended to provide them with a full understanding of the situation. This can be judged by the continued co-operation and patience farmers have shown in the need to retain restrictions and their help in maintaining confidence in the quality of Welsh lamb.