HC Deb 22 May 1986 vol 98 cc279-80W
Mr. Strang

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will report on progress with the Government's application to the European Commission for a five-year delay in meeting the terms of Council directive 80/778/EEC relating to the content of lead in drinking water in Scotland;

(2) on what date the Government applied to the European Commission for a five-year delay in implementing the tems of the Council directive 80/778/EEC relating to lead contamination of drinking water throughout Scotland.

Mr. Ancram

The Government applied for the delay in respect of the lead content in drinking water in Scotland on 7 August 1985. The Commission has not so far conveyed a decision on the application, but has asked for further details.

Mr. Strang

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland on which date the Scottish Office first asked local authorities for information on lead levels in drinking water in individual supply areas.

Mr. Ancram

In 1975, the Scottish Development Department and the other United Kingdom environment departments organised a survey by local authorities of lead levels in a sample of households. A United Kingdom expert advisory group prepared a report in 1980 which set out a standard method for identifying areas which required detailed investigation. In September 1983 the Scottish Development Department arranged for all Scottish water authorities to undertake a programme of lead identification studies. Results have been obtained from all but one of the authorities, and are under consideration.

Mr. Strang

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what resources of financing and manpower were devoted between July 1980 and July 1985 towards ensuring that the terms of Council directive 80/778/EEC concerning the quality of water intended for human consumption would be met throughout Scotland.

Mr. Ancram

This information is not held centrally. The directive is implemented by the water authorities which decide their own priorities within their individual financial allocations.

Mr. Strang

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will outline under which article and on what basis the Government have applied to the European Commission for a derogation in respect of the lead content of drinking water in Scotland under Council directive 80/778/EEC.

Mr. Ancram

The application for a delay in complying with the directive in respect of lead was made under article 20 of the directive. The initial application covered the whole of Scotland. Since then the Commission has asked for more precise descriptions of the geographical areas affected and the Government will make a fresh application relating only to those areas where remedial action on lead is required, as indicated by the results of lead identification surveys carried out by Scottish water authorities.