§ 3. Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his oral answer of 27 January, Official Report, column 1029, what further developments have taken place in respect of management of water quality in Bassenthwaite.
§ The Minister for the Environment and Countryside (Mr. David Maclean)I understand that the hon. Member had a useful meeting and follow-up with the National Rivers Authority. The NRA's study of water quality in Bassenthwaite is continuing and will enable the authority to establish whether improvements are required.
§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursI also had a useful and helpful meeting with North West Water. May I have an assurance that no administrative, procedural or bureaucratic obstacles will delay whatever proposals North West Water presents with a view to sorting out the problems in Bassenthwaite?
§ Mr. MacleanI, too, would deplore any unnecessary administrative or bureaucratic delays. The best way to avoid any bureaucratic delays in the future is to have this conclusive study conducted by the NRA, with which no one can disagree. If, following that study, the NRA should request North West Water to take remedial action, I would not anticipate any bureaucratic delays.