§ 11. Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer in European Standing Committee A on 12 June at columns 4–6, if he will make a statement on measures to counter eutrophication and algal bloom. [33943]
§ Mr. ClappisonPhosphorus removal is being installed at 41 sewage treatment works discharging into 29 designated eutrophic sensitive areas in England and Wales as part of our implementation of the urban waste water treatment directive.
§ Mr. DalyellWhat is being done to lessen the environmental and ecological havoc caused by phosphate and nitrogen from fertiliser going into rivers and streams?
§ Mr. ClappisonThe hon. Gentleman raises a very serious point. He will be aware of the experiences of other parts of Europe, including Germany, with the effects of algal blooms and black spots caused by the types of problems that he has described. Because of those experiences, we are monitoring eutrophic effects in inland waters and in coastal areas. Knowing of the hon. Gentleman's keen interest in this matter, I will keep him informed of the results of that monitoring.