§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what sums will be made available to each islands and regional council in Scotland so that they may progress towards compliance with the European Community directive regarding the quality of bathing waters.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonAllocations for water and sewerage programmes for the current year were set at the high level of £126 million, 14 per cent. above planned provision, and were recently increased by £4.6 million. Further, my right hon. and learned Friend announced to the House on 6 December a major increase in investment in Scotland. The additional resources announced will mean a programme of £500 million over the next three years for water and sewerage services. This will allow regional and islands councils, which determine their own priorities in the light of local needs, to make faster progress in further improving the quality of the environment including any improvements related to the quality of bathing waters. The allocations to be made to each authority will be announced early next year.