HC Deb 10 July 1989 vol 156 cc399-400W
Mr. Speller

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what reports he has received and what reporting system is in the use from Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution, in relation to pollution by sewage of beaches along the coastlines of the Bristol channel.

Mr. Howard

Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution does not report on bathing water quality or beach pollution. Water authorities report to the Department of the Environment on the quality of bathing waters under the terms of the EC Bathing Water Directive and local authorities are responsible for dealing with the pollution of beaches.

Mr. Speller

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the water pollution inspectorate last reported on the water quality in the Bristol channel and the degree of sewage deposits on the beaches; when the inspectorate will next make such a report, and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Howard

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer that I gave him earlier today.