§ Sir John Biggs-DavisonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the general findings of the latest studies available to the Department of the Environment, Northern Ireland, of the quality of the water in the Fermanagh lakes; to what extent those studies have been carried out in co-operation with authorities and organisations across the border; and what are the present factors adverse to the health and quantity of fish and therefore to tourism.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe report "The Erne System: A Water Quality Study" which was published on 18 January 1988 was prepared by a working group drawn from the Departments of the Environment for Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland, An Foras Forbartha and Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim and Donegal county councils. The study found that most of the lakes in the catchment are moderately to highly eutrophic, it drew particular attention to the over-enrichment due to phosphorus from sewage, industrial and agricultural sources; and has recommended remedial action. The health and quantity of fish did not fall within the terms of reference of this study. A copy of the report is now available in the Library.