§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if there are any areas in the Thames, Southern, South-West, Wessex, Northumbrian and Welsh Water authority areas where levels of lead in drinking water exceed limits stipulated in European Community Directive (80/778/EC) relating to the quality of water intended for human consumption.
§ Mr. John PattenI am not aware of any areas in the Thames, Southern, South-West and Wessex water authority areas where lead levels exceed the limit in the EC directive relating to the quality of water intended for human consumption. There is one supply in the Northumbrian water authority area serving 2,000 people and this will meet the directive standard by 1988. Responsibility for this matter in Wales lies with my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Wales.
§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will specify the levels of aluminium, nitrate and nitrite in drinking water which would in his judgment represent a threat to public health; and whether public water supply in the United Kingdom exceeds these levels.
§ Mr. John PattenI refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Member for Eastbourne (Mr. Gow) on 23 July 1985, at column455-56, in respect of nitrate levels. I have received advice from the chief medical officer that no public water supply for which I have responsibility contains aluminium or nitrite which represents a threat to public health. In the circumstances, I have not specified levels which would represent such a threat.