§ Mr. Nealeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made in implementing the European Community directive on shellfish waters.
§ Mr. Giles ShawA report listing the waters designated by the United Kingdom for the purposes of this directive has been sent to the European Community Commission. 27 shellfish waters capable of meeting the water quality standards in the directive, totalling some 314 square kilometers in area, have been designated in the initial round. Of these, six stretches of water have been designated in the Anglian water authority area, one in Northhumbria, two in Wessex, three in the South West, five in the Southern water authority area and 10 in Scotland. A list giving further details will be placed in the Library. It is expected that further designations will be made in future years.