§ Mr. Conwayasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has to revoke the Control of Pollution (Exemption of Certain Discharges from Control) Order 1983; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveMy right hon. Friend, together with his right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Scotland238W and the Secretary of State for Wales has decided to vary the 1983 order to bring all the main categories of exempt discharges under control. The necessary statutory instrument will be laid before the House as soon as possible.
The variation of the 1983 order will provide a better basis for improvement programmes, particularly as it extends full control to coastal and estuary waters. The continuation of recent investment levels should allow major improvement to unsatisfactory discharges of sewage effluent to areas of environmental importance within the next 10 to 15 years.