§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will make a statement concerning the discharges into the Irish sea, Liverpool bay and the Dee estuary from industries and the impact upon beaches and health and safety of local communities of these discharges;
(2) if he will prepare and publish a report on the discharge by dangerous and impure substances into Liverpool bay and the River Dee estuary; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesDischarges into inland and coastal waters are controlled by the National Rivers Authority under the Water Resources Act 1991 and by Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Under this legislation, details of consents and authorisations, and the results of subsequent monitoring, are kept on public registers.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food monitors contaminants in the aquatic environment and the latest results are published in Aquatic Environment Monitoring Reports Nos. 36 and 38.
Waters on the United Kingdom coastline that are popular for bathing come within the scope of the EC bathing water directive 76/160/EEC which sets water quality standards intended for the protection of public health. The water industry is currently undertaking a major investment programme to improve its discharges into coastal waters to ensure that bathing waters consistently meet these standards.