Written question asked by Anthony Steen (Conservative) on Tuesday, 11 May 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 May 2004. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 May 2004 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what research has been undertaken to assess the potential risks to health posed by the spreading of sewage sludge on agricultural fields situated close to residential homes. - (Holding answer 18 May 2004).

Answer: Mr. Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research has been undertaken to assess the potential risks to health posed by the spreading of sewage sludge on agricultural fields situated close to residential homes. [173429] Mr. Morley: [holding answer 18 May 2004]: A study carried out in the USA has examined the evidence for Staphylococcus aureus (SA) in sewage sludge applied to land and whether a route existed by which populations living in proximity to sludge spreading could be infected. The result of this work was that no SA were detected in any background aerosol or sludge aerosol sample. Proposals to amend the Sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations 1989, as amended, will further strengthen the controls applying to the recycling of sewage sludge in England and Wales by making statutory the water industry's voluntary ban on the use of untreated sewage sludge on agricultural land.

Secondary information