§ Mr. CummingsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has on the effectiveness of present sea outfalls off the Durham coast; and what recommendations the pollution inspectorate has made on primary, secondary and tertiary treatment of sewage.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryThe National Rivers Authority is responsible for consenting and monitoring the effectiveness of discharges to coastal waters. Sea outfalls at Crimden are known to affect adversely the identified bathing water there. Northumbrian Water plc has plans to improve these discharges. My right hon. Friend announced on 5 March at column452 that all discharges to coastal waters will be required to receive at least primary treatment.
§ Mr. SpellerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many comments and inquiries he has received regarding the future use of long sea outfalls or sewage disposal; and how the European Community's policies and directives affect this practice.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryAs recorded in my right hon. Friend's statement on 5 March at column452, the views of interested parties are summarised in the report by Consultants in Environmental Sciences Ltd., a copy of which is in the Library. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is also aware of evidence from a variety of sources (including the CES report) taken by the Environment Committee inquiring into bathing waters and long sea outfalls. The EC-proposed municipal waste water treatment directive generally requires secondary treatment of sewage prior to discharges where it can be shown that there are no adverse environmental effects. These requirements are in line with my right hon. Friend's statement on sewage treatement policy on 5 March. A copy o the explanatory memorandum on the proposed municipal waste water directive is in the Library.