§ 64. Ms. QuinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give the cost of full implementation of the European Economic Community directive on drinking water standards; and when he expects this directive to be fully complied with.
§ Mr. MoynihanWater authorities are preparing investment programmes for improving water supplies in relation to water quality, pressure and reliability of supply. The full cost and phasing of the required work will be set out in prospectuses when the privatised companies are offered for sale.
We are committed to achieving compliance with the EC drinking water directive as soon as possible. Good progress has been made and will continue to be made towards this end.
§ 104. Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the European Commission directives on drinking water standards.
§ Mr. MoynihanThe EC drinking water directive (80/778/EEC) sets standards for 44 parameters. These are to be incorporated into regulations to be made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State under powers contained in the Water Bill 1988. Publication of the proposed contents of the regulations and draft guidance on maintaining the quality of public water supplies was announced on 10 February. Copies of both documents have been placed in the Library of the House.