Questions Without Notice from Party Spokespeople

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs – in the Senedd at 1:46 pm on 3 February 2021.

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Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour 1:46, 3 February 2021

I don't agree with you at all, and whilst we did see less agricultural pollution—substantiated ones—last year, you will appreciate that the site visits were not able to be undertaken in the way that they had been in previous years. But I go back to what I was saying: we are seeing, on average, three agricultural pollution incidents a week. I do not believe one second—. I mean, you're the one who is always telling us that we're not going fast enough on the climate emergency. How do you expect us to do that if we are condoning agricultural pollution incidents at this level? 

Now, I have continued to work with the sector. As I said before in my answer to Janet Finch-Saunders, nobody likes being told what to do—I absolutely understand that—and I think I have been incredibly patient, looking for a voluntary approach. I am not the most patient of people, as you yourself know, but I have tried my very best to come forward with the sector, with the farming unions, to find that voluntary approach. And you know, there is a review clause in these regulations, so if people have bright ideas that they can come forward with, bring them forward and let's see if we can continue to look for a different approach. But I'm afraid we cannot justify delaying this any longer. I will not continue to accept three agricultural pollution incidents every week, and I'm sure the Member would agree.