§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent research has been(a) conducted for her Department and (b) assessed by her Department on a potential link between drinking water and blue baby syndrome; what representations have been received; what discussions have taken place; and if she will place copies of the research in the Library. [86418]
§ Mr. MorleyThe term "blue baby syndrome" is sometimes used to refer to infantile methaemoglobinaemia. This is a condition in which the pigment in the blood is altered and its ability to carry oxygen is impaired. Nitrate, nitrite and bacterial contamination of water supplies are among the potential causes. The condition is very rare—there have been no confirmed cases of methaemoglobinaemia in the UK since 1972. I am not aware of any recent reports that this condition is attributable directly to public water supplies within the United Kingdom.
The Department is aware of the studies that have established a relationship between methaemoglobin levels and nitrate levels, but has not conducted, commissioned or assessed any recent research on the link. Discussions and review of current scientific research take place within expert groups of the World
436W Health Organisation, who expect to finalise the third edition of its "Guidelines for Drinking Water" in February 2003. Any changes in the guidelines will be considered by the European Commission and my Department.
Government office region 1990 1995 1996 1997 North-east region Total holdings 5,243 5,202 5,200 5.178 Farmers, partners, directors and spouses 7,895 7,745 7,752 7,768 North-west region, inc. Merseyside Total holdings 18.603 17,665 17.533 17,397 Farmers, partners, directors and spouses 27,598 26,461 26,412 26,199 Yorkshire and Humberside region Total holdings 16,782 16,195 16,094 16,042 Farmers, partners, directors and spouses 24,790 23,896 23,778 23,715 The Department has received regular correspondence about the Nitrates Directive and also meets stakeholder groups. Officials have also replied to letters from or on behalf of farmers, for example from Farmers for Action, about the nitrate standard and health, including blue baby syndrome.