MP Supports Local Watercress Lobby

12.00.00am GMT Thu 11th Sep 2003

Local MP Annette Brooke has committed her support to the interests of the local watercress lobby from Dorset and Hampshire.

A delegation of MPs from Dorset and Hampshire including Annette Brooke, Mark Oaten MP for Winchester and Sir George Young MP for Hampshire North West will join members of the watercress industry from Dorset and Hampshire at a meeting with Eliot Morley, Minister of State from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), tomorrow morning.

Annette Brooke said:

"There is concern that provisions in the Water Bill to promote sustainable use of water could have unintended consequences on the watercress industry.

"It is important that watercress growers should have the opportunity to raise their concerns at the Department of the Environment, particularly with the Minister directly, so that he is fully aware of all the implications."

At today's meeting, the Minister assured MPs and representatives from the Watercress industry, that there was a presumption to renew licences and that clear guidelines will be developed which should give certainty to the industry and their financial backers.

The watercress growing industry contacted Annette Brooke to voice concerns about clauses relating to sustainable water use. Watercress growers, who already do use water in a very sustainable way, need assurances that the replacement of permanent licences with 12 year licences will not destabilise the industry.

Speaking in the 2nd Reading of the Water Bill on Monday 8th September, Annette Brooke raised the concerns of watercress growers and sought assurances from her colleagues that their fears would be taken into account during the committee stage of the Bill.