§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what studies are currently being carried out into ways of purifying the bathing water of the Serpentine Lido in Hyde park; and when these are expected to be completed.
§ Mrs. RumboldStudies are currently being undertaken by water quality experts in the Department of the Environment into the options for disinfecting the water in the Serpentine Lido, Hyde park, in the light of the effect of any new process on the chemical balance of the lake water and the consequences for the fish, water plants and birds. I expect to receive a report with recommendations shortly.
§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects the Serpentine Lido in Hyde park to be reopened for use by members of the public.
§ Mrs. RumboldI expect the Serpentine Lido to be reopened for use by members of the public as soon as an acceptable method of disinfecting the water in the Serpentine lake has been identified and works to introduce a new disinfection plant and pumping station, together with any other complementary works, have been carried out. It is impossible to say how long this work will take until a suitable process has been identified and evaluated.