HC Deb 23 July 1998 vol 316 cc629-30W
Mr. Ruane

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if the Environment Agency has an independent working computer model of the hydrographic regime of the inshore waters of the North Wales coastal region for planning and management purposes. [51381]

Mr. Win Griffiths

This is a matter for the Environment Agency. I understand the Agency has identified no need for such a model to discharge its planning and management responsibilities. If it required one, it would commission other organisations to produce it.

Mr. Ruane

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will establish the factors underlying the recent high turbidity in the inshore waters along the North Wales coast. [51386]

Mr. Win Griffiths

The June rainfall for 1998 has been one of the highest for any June on record. High river flows as a result of the rain will have generated a larger than normal sediment load into inshore waters at this time of the year. In co-operation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, which has responsibility for the regulation of dredging, the Environment Agency is also investigating whether possible illegal dumping of dredged material in the area has been a contributory factor.

Mr. Ruane

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if his Department will take steps to treat non-toxic algal blooms accumulated on the North Wales coast. [51388]

Mr. Win Griffiths

The dispersion of accumulated non-toxic algal blooms by natural forces usually occurs as quickly as the accumulations themselves. Non-toxic algal blooms are a naturally occurring phenomenon and do not pose a threat to public health; consequently, there are no plans to treat them.