§ Mr. Kirkwoodasked, the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list in the Official Report those EEC regulations and directives relating to the standards of quality and inspection of private water supplies which are to be brought into force in the present year; and what consultations have taken place with the bodies whose duty it will be to implement any such changes in the law.
§ Mr. GowThe EC directive relating to the quality of water intended for human consumption (80/778/EEC) will apply to all drinking water supplies and comes into operation on 15 July this year. My Department consulted those associations representing the bodies which in England and Wales will be implementing the directive in relation to private supplies, including the Association of District Councils, and the London Boroughs Association. DOE circular 25/84—Welsh Office Circular 51/84—was sent to local authorities in England and Wales on 18 October 1984 to guide them on their duties under the directive.