§ Mr. Strangasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans have been made to clean bathing beaches on the Scottish coasts to the standards required by the European Economic Community directive; and what is the anticipated cost.
§ Mr. AncramNo beaches in Scotland are at present listed under the EC "bathing water" directive. However, at the Government's request, river purification boards are to monitor the quality of bathing water at 20 beaches in Scotland over the next two bathing seasons. Since 1981, £37 million has been invested in sewerage improvements adjacent to these beaches and a further £13 million is planned over the next four years. Overall, and in addition to investment by industry, in excess of £200 million has already been spent by local authorities to improve Scottish coastal and estuarial waters and further expenditure of £60 million is planned over the next five years.