To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what changes he plans to make to his Department's policy on nitrate vulnerable zones; and if he will make a statement. (325278)

The Nitrates Directive requires each member state to review its nitrate vulnerable zone (NVZ) designation and Nitrates Action programme every four years. Any changes as a result of the next review in England will be implemented from January 2013. DEFRA will be working closely with the farming industry, other interested parties and the European Commission over the next two years to consider what changes might be necessary.