Public Water Supplies (Aluminium)

HC Deb 20 July 1988 vol 137 cc1095-8

14. Mr. French

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has recently received regarding the current levels of aluminium contained in public water supplies; and if he will make a statement.

18. Mr. Alan W. Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many people in Britain have water supplies with aluminium concentrations in excess of the European Community directive limit of 200 microgrammes per litre.

Mr. Ridley

I have received a number of representations following the publication of some alarmist press articles. However, medical advisers assure me that current aluminium concentrations in water supplies are not a danger to health. The European Community directive limit was set in relation to the appearance of water. It was not set on health grounds, and the 2 million people in England who receive water with aluminium concentrations above 200 microgrammes per litre are not at risk. Programmes of improvement for these supplies are nevertheless in hand.

Mr. French

Is my right hon. Friend aware that people who reside in areas where there is a high concentration of aluminium will welcome the news that he has given us in his answer? However, will he none the less agree to the establishment of an independent research facility to determine once and for all that there is no causal connection between aluminium in water and Alzheimer's disease, or does he believe that there is still a connection with drinking excess quantities of tea?

Mr. Ridley

There are a large number of alternative theories about the cause of Alzheimer's disease, but only one of that large number suggests a possible link with aluminium, and that theory has not yet been published. It has not been possible to study it because it has not been received. It might further reassure my hon. Friend and his constituents if I say that, on average, people in this country take in less than 5 per cent. of the aluminium that they take in during a year from their water supplies, and that the other 95 per cent. comes from sources such as food.

Mr. Tony Banks

Is the Secretary of State aware that there is so much metal in our water supplies these days that it brings a new meaning to the term "Iron Maiden"? Will he go through the list of those areas where there are identifiable levels of aluminium in the water supply and tell the House where they are? From my point of view, is Newham on the list?

Mr. Ridley

I cannot answer that question without notice, but I shall certainly let the hon. Gentleman have any information that I have. The aluminium is put there as part of a process to kill microbiological organisms, which are far more dangerous than the aluminium salts.

Mr. Favell

The House will be glad to hear of the advice that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has received from an expert body. Is he aware that two separate research studies have been carried out by eminent doctors in Southampton and Newcastle, which show a causal link between the aluminium content in water and Alzheimer's disease, and possible clinical disorders? Will my right hon. Friend further examine this matter and perhaps make a statement, written or oral, at a later stage?

Mr. Ridley

As I have said already, the findings of the Southampton study have not yet been published. It is impossible to comment upon the study until its findings have been published and examined. My advisers will assess it when it is received. The reason for the European Community directive on this subject is to do with the appearance of water, which, with a large amount of aluminium salts in it, is rather unattractive for drinking purposes. The issue is not whether aluminium is dangerous to health. The issue is an appearance standard, not a health safeguard.

Mr. Boyes

The Secretary of State is being especially complacent on this issue, and he should stop misleading the House. There are almost 4 million people drinking water that is polluted by aluminium. Much research shows a relationship between Alzheimer's disease and brain damage. Action should be taken immediately. Money should be made available to make our drinking water safe to drink. The Government can find plenty of cash for other things.

Mr. Ridley

The hon. Gentleman is not right. He should be pleased with good news instead of calling it complacency