§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the most recent evidence he has on the extent of eutrophication and algal blooms in the estuarial and coastal waters of the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. MacleanObservational evidence suggests that there is no increase in the frequency of, and no areas with significant problems from, algal blooms caused by eutrophication in the estuarial and coastal waters of the United Kingdom. However, to obtain more systematic evidence, the National Rivers Authority is gathering data on a regular basis. This will be reviewed in conjunction with my Department at the end of the year, together with the other research which my Department is sponsoring on the subject of algal blooms and nutrients in the North sea.