§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to reduce the amount of(a) environmentally damaging waste and (b) other pollution created by the farming industry. [21387]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe Government's views on the reduction of waste, including agricultural waste, are set out in the White Paper "Making Waste Work" which was published in December 1995.
Measures to control agricultural sources of water pollution include:
- (a) consents for discharges from identifiable sources;
- (b) Regulations relating to the storage of silage and slurry, the quality of sewage sludge spread on land, and the approval and use of pesticides; and
- (c) encouraging farmers to draw up farm waste management plans for the disposal of waste to land.
Codes of good practice have been published by MAFF concerning the protection of water, air, soil and the use of pesticides; and a pesticides forum is being established to take forward policy on pesticides minimisation. As regards nitrates, the Government are introducing a variety of measures to reduce inputs. These measures include a code of practice, changes to agricultural practice in nitrate sensitive areas and the proposed designation of nitrate vulnerable zones under the nitrates directive. The National Rivers Authority also issues guidance and advice to farmers and others on preventive measures; and takes enforcement action where necessary.