To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the cost to farmers of compliance with the new nitrate vulnerable zones. (253928)

The Nitrates Pollution Prevention Regulations 2008 came into force on 1 January 2009. An impact assessment was laid with the regulations on 4 September 2008. It included an assessment of the potential costs to farmers of compliance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the effect of the nitrate vulnerable zone regulations on the sustainability of the farming industry; and if he will make a statement. (253929)

The regulations came into force on 1 January 2009. An impact assessment covering the impact on the farming sector was laid with the regulations on 4 September 2008.