§ Mr. Ivan HendersonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the criteria that have to be met before a local authority can apply for a beach to be designated under the European Bathing Directive. [57072]
§ Mr. MealeThe Bathing Water Directive defines 'bathing water' as running or still fresh water and sea water in which bathing is not prohibited and is traditionally practised by a large number of bathers. The Government also takes into consideration, as evidence that the waters are well used by bathers, the existence of facilities associated with popular bathing areas.