HC Deb 18 March 1997 vol 292 cc517-8W
Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received on sewerage discharge in upper Trent; and if he will make a statement. [20166]

Mr. Clappison

None.

Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many samples of discharge have been taken by the Environment Agency since 1 April 1996 in Stoke-on-Trent, North; of these, how many showed a breach of discharge consent under the Water Resources Act 1991; and in each case what was the nature of the breach. [20167]

Mr. Clappison

Statistics relating to the area of Stoke on Trent, North are not available. However, for the two relevant pollution control districts of the Environment Agency, since 1 April 1996, 567 sampling visits have been undertaken during which 364 samples were obtained. Of these, 19 indicated a breach of the conditions of a discharge consent. I understand that the Environment Agency has already provided the hon. Member with details of these cases and the results of subsequent investigations.

Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment in how many cases the Environment Agency has granted new discharge consent without advertisement in north Staffordshire. [20168]

Mr. Clappison

Since the formation of the Environment Agency only one discharge consent has been issued in the two relevant pollution control districts of the agency. This related to the discharge of minewater and site drainage and was not advertised.