§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking to deal with harmful blooms of algae in the Thames, Humber, Tyne and Forth estuaries; what steps he is taking to prevent further eutrophication in British waters; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Howard[holding answer 19 July 1989]: The authorities responsible for the Thames, the Humber, the Tyne and the Forth have informed the Department that there are no problems from harmful algal blooms in the estuaries of these rivers. Further, a recent survey carried out by water authorities and river purification boards has confirmed that eutrophication is not a problem in United Kingdom coastal waters and estuaries and where algal blooms have historically occurred there is no increase in their frequency. However, the responsible authorities are keeping the situation under review.