§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his proposals(a) to combat diffuse pollution and (b) to implement the recommendations of the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency of 31 August 1998 on diffuse pollution, in relation to nitrate enhancement. [55475]
§ Mr. MacdonaldThe Government are addressing the need to combat diffuse pollution, through the use of preventative and advisory approaches together with legislation. We are also exploring the use of economic instruments ("green taxes"). Our approach will be developed further when we come to implement the EC Water Framework Directive, which is at present in draft form. This will be a matter for the Scottish Executive.
We are currently consulting on proposals for a statutory Nitrate Action Programme in the Scottish Nitrate Vulnerable Zone at Balmalcolm. The programme is specifically aimed at reducing nitrate use.