HC Deb 12 July 1989 vol 156 cc509-10W
Mr. Speller

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has made to(a) Wessex Water or (b) South West Water over sewage contamination of beaches; and what steps he is taking to monitor the work of these authorities.

Mr. Howard

My right hon. Friend is currently discussing with the water authorities an accelerated capital programme for identified bathing waters with the aim of bringing them up to the standards of the EC bathing water directive by the mid-1990s.

The National Rivers Authority will be responsible for monitoring and enforcing bathing water quality standards in accordance with the requirements of the directive.