Local MP Stands Up for Dorset's Watercress Industry In Bere Regis

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 13th Nov 2003

Speaking up in Westminster during the controversial Report stage of the Water Bill this week, local MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole Annette Brooke raised concerns of the watercress industry by tabling an amendment to the Bill protecting their industry.

Supported by the NFU, Annette Brooke urged the Minister to close a loophole in the proposed legislation which would enable persons who suffer loss or damage arising from the abstraction of water to bring a claim against the extractor - in Dorset this damage the Watercress industry.

Annette Brooke said:

"The amendment is designed to draw attention to the fact that loss or damage is not defined in the clause, and that consequently it could become a charter for claims against long-established and ecologically valuable businesses such as watercress growers."

"Special natural conditions have led to the bulk of UK watercress growing occurring in Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset. In Dorset, watercress is grown in Bere Regis. It is a long-established and sustainable activity, but the Bill has created concerns about its future."

Annette Brooked also thanked the Minister for meeting represetntatives from the Watercress industry with her and MPs from Hampshire last month. She strongly urged him to provide further reassurances to the watercress growers.

The Environment Minister, Eliot Morley, responded positively to Mrs. Brooke's amendment, and assured her that the Bill did not intend to have any negative impact on the Watercress industry in terms of legal claims for 'loss or damage' and that it would be unlikely that such claims against the industry could be brought.