§ 7. Mr. Aspinwallto ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the progress and performance of the National Rivers Authority.
§ Mr. TrippierThe National Rivers Authority has already demonstrated clearly its determination to be an effective guardian of the water environment. It has successfully prosecuted a number of polluters and many more have received formal warnings. The authority is carrying out a national survey of water quality this year; it is actively pursuing solutions to low river flows caused by over-abstraction; and it is co-operating with the water supply undertakers in making contingency plans to deal with drought. Across all its functions the NRA is energetically engaged in a number of reviews of key policy areas.
§ 88. Mr. Paiceto ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he next intends to meet the chairman of the National Rivers Authority to discuss progress in improving river quality.
§ Mr. TrippierI met the chairman of the National Rivers Authority on 1 May to discuss a range of issues relating to the water environment. I hope to do so again shortly in the context of considering the NRA's corporate plan.