§ Mr. Tony Lloydasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what measures are being taken by his Department to improve the water quality of Britain's rivers, lakes, reservoirs and offshore waters; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe Department is continuing with the implementation of part II of the Control of Pollution Act 1974, which provides comprehensive controls over discharges to all significant waters, and is considering the need for making further regulations under the Act aimed at reducing pollution risks. Other measures set out in the consultation paper "The Water Environment: The Next Steps" issued last year in connection with water privatisation, including proposals for introducing statutory water quality objectives, are also being actively pursued. On 1 April 1987, Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution will come into being with a specific water490W pollution capability. The inspectorate will take on a number of functions aimed at improving water quality, including the monitoring and enforcement of water quality objectives.