§ David BurnsideTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on infraction proceedings against the Government arising from Northern Ireland's failure to comply with EU directives on drinking and waste water. [112074]
§ Angela SmithWith regard to drinking water, I can confirm my officials are currently responding to a case taken against the UK in February 2002 for failure to comply with the Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC). With regard to waste water, I can confirm that my officials are currently responding to a number of cases on implementation of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (Directive 91/271/EEC) which have been raised with the UK by the European Commission and in which there are particular implications for Northern Ireland.