§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give up-to-date figures on the volume of sewage pumped into British coastal waters each day and the percentage of sewage that is untreated.
§ Mr. Moynihan[holding answer 14 February 1989]: Approximately 2 million cu m of sewage are discharged into coastal waters in England and Wales each day. The discharge of sewage into the sea is regulated under the Control of Pollution Act 1974 and water authorities have to obtain consents which are legally enforceable from Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution. In addition, all new long sea outfalls must be designed so as to ensure that the affected bathing waters meet the mandatory requirements of the EC bathing water directive.