§ Conn BurgonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what help and advice has been given to farmers to help them to comply with the requirements of the Groundwater Regulations when dipping sheep. [6512]
§ Mr. MeacherA groundwater protection code for sheep dipping is currently being printed for publication by my Department shortly. The code gives advice on what to do before, during and after dipping to protect groundwater and to comply with the Regulations. The advice covers matters such as training, maintaining and siting dip baths, managing sheep when dipping, washing equipment, and disposing of used dip safely. Copies of the code will be available on request, free of charge, and a copy will also be placed in the Library of the House. Copies of a checklist and a poster will be sent to all sheep farmers and dippers. Farmers dipping sheep also continue to benefit from the waiver of annual charges for groundwater authorisations which was introduced last year under the Prime Minister's Action Plan for Farming.