§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what arrangements the Government have made to comply with the European Community directives with regard to dangerous substances in water; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoynihanIn England and Wales, water authorities are the competent authorities for implementing European Community directives on the discharge of dangerous substances to the aquatic environment. Guidance on implementation is issued by means of departmental circular; a revised version of the current circular (DOE 18/85; Welsh Office 37/85) will be issued soon. In Scotland, the river purification boards are the competent authorities and receive similar guidance from the Scottish Development Department. The Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland is responsible for implementing the directives in Northern Ireland.
The competent authorities are responsible for authorising discharges containing substances specified in the directives and for setting emission standards. Wherever possible the United Kingdom adopts the quality objective method of compliance. Discharge consents are set to ensure that the concentration of a substance in the receiving water does not exceed that specified in the appropriate directive. Both emissions and the receiving waters are monitored regularly to ensure compliance.
§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what arrangements have been made between Her Majesty's Government and the European Commission for United Kingdom compliance with the European Community drinking water directive.
§ Mr. MoynihanThe Government provide information to the European Commission in respect of the United Kingdom's compliance with the EC drinking water directive, and in response to any questions which the Commission may have.