HC Deb 27 June 1990 vol 175 c275W
65. Mr. Irvine

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made in cleaning up the rivers of the United Kingdom; and what standard has been achieved against the European Community average.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

There has been an overall improvement in the quality of rivers since the first national survey carried out in 1958. The most recent river quality surveys, carried out in 1985 throughout the United Kingdom, showed that 95 per cent. of the United Kingdom's rivers were of good or fair quality. A review of river classification schemes across the European Community published in 1988 by the water research centre showed that the average figure in the EC for rivers of comparable quality was 75 per cent.; the review also indicated that no other member state bettered the United Kingdom's position.

74. Mr. David Porter

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proportion of United Kingdom rivers are of good or fair quality; and what information he has on the situation in the rest of Europe.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

The river quality surveys carried out in 1985 throughout the United Kingdom showed that 95 per cent. of the United Kingdom's rivers were of good or fair quality. A review of river classifiction schemes across the European Community published in 1988 by the water research centre showed that the average figure in the EC for rivers of comparable quality was 75 per cent.; the review also indicated that no other member state bettered the United Kingdom's position.