§ Mr. Galleyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has on what research is being carried out by the water research centre into the increasing discoloration of water supplies in certain parts of the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. John PattenAs the causes of discoloration are known, no research is being carried out on this by the water research centre. However, the Yorkshire water authority—studying what particular factors may have given rise to recent increases in discoloration in their area. Improved methods for removing colour from water are being developed, for example, by the Yorkshire water authority, which is installing a pilot plant using a novel process to treat highly coloured, soft water. Its performance will be monitored and evaluated by the water research centre.