§ 45. Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many applications he has received from water authorities for exemptions from the maximum permissible levels of nitrate pollution; and how many of these applications he has approved.
§ Mr. John PattenFifty six applications have been received from water authorities and water companies for derogation in respect of the nitrate parameter under the EC directive relating to the quality of water intended for human consumption (80/778/EEC). In accordance with the policy on drinking water quality set out by my hon. Friend the member for Eastbourne (Mr. Gow), on 23 July 1985, at columns 455–56, 54 of these have been approved, subject to a number of conditions.