§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the impact of cost neutrality requirements on the revised European Union bathing water directive, with particular reference to water quality standards. [4273]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe Department commissioned a report on a study of the cost implications of the proposed revision of the bathing water directive and a number of possible versions of the revision including water quality standards with a neutral cost benefit. Copies were placed in the House Library in February 1995.
§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what numerical level of mandatory standard for faecal streptococcus bacteria the Government propose for inclusion in the revised European Union bathing water directive. [4274]
§ Mr. ClappisonRecent research suggests that mandatory standards for faecal streptococci indicating water quality broadly equivalent to the existing coliform bacteria standards would maintain a satisfactory level of health.
§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Enviornment what plans he has to ensure the revision of the 1976 bathing water directive during the United Kingdom's presidency of the European Union in 1998. [4275]
§ Mr. ClappisonPriorities for the United Kingdom 1998 presidency will be formulated nearer the time.