HC Deb 20 February 1989 vol 147 cc485-6W
Mr. Allan Roberts

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of whether all identified bathing waters around the Fylde coast will meet the enterovirus standard of EC directive 76/160/EEC after construction of the proposed long sea outfall for the Fylde coast.

Mr. Howard

It is for Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution to consider all relevant aspects of the proposals from North West water authority in determining its applications for discharge consents.

Mr. Allan Roberts

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list North West Water's environmental quality objectives for all identified bathing waters on the Fylde coast, Morecambe bay and the North Cumbrian coast.

Mr. Howard

The quality standards in directive 76/160/EEC.

Mr. Allan Roberts

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the process whereby bathing waters in the North West region were identified for compliance with EC directive 76/160/EEC.

Mr. Howard

The waters were identified in consultation with the North West water authority on the basis of the criteria set out in the Government's response to the tenth report of the Royal Commission on environmental pollution. These, in turn, are consistent with criteria set out by the European Commission.

Mr. Allan Roberts

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to ensure that all identified bathing waters in the North West region will meet the provisions of EC directive 76/160/EEC by 1995.

Mr. Howard

My officials are discussing with North West water authority, the implications—both financial and engineering—of bringing all their identified bathing waters us to EC standards by 1995.