Written question WQ83006
- Asked by
- James EvansConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 12 days
Question
Will the Minister confirm when the decision to review the nitrate vulnerable zones proposals will be carried out?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
The Senedd has instructed a relevant committee to carry out a review of the Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021.
The Regulations, which came into force in April, revoked the legislation which created Nitrate Vulnerable Zones. The Welsh Government has not made any proposals to re-establish Nitrate Vulnerable Zones in Wales.
The timing of the review is a matter for the relevant committee. It will be for the Senedd to determine the relevant committee, noting the aim of the Regulations is to protect our environment, which is critical if we are to tackle our climate and nature emergencies.
The regulations were robustly scrutinised before they came into force, nevertheless, I support further consideration by the relevant committee on their effective implementation, to strengthen the resilience of both our farming communities and our natural environment.