§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what research his Department is carrying out into the effects of high levels of nitrates and lead in water supplies on(a) children and (b) adults.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythNone. The level of nitrates found in Scottish waters is low and does not present a health problem for either children or adults.
§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many and which of the water supplies containing excess of nitrate or lead according to the European Community standards will achieve the acceptable standards(a) in 1989 and (b) in 1990;
(2) how many water supplies in Scotland do not comply with the European Community standards for nitrate or lead content of water supplies; and where they are located.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonOne small water supply source in Dumfries and Galloway region and six in Grampian region may at times exceed the European Commission standard for nitrate. That in Dumfries and Galloway will achieve compliance in 1989; those in Grampian are due to be abandoned, two in 1989–90 and the others not later than 1991–92. For information on areas where the lead content of tap water may exceed the European Commission standard I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. Redmond) on 22 March 1989, at columns662–64. In 1989 the acceptable standard will be achieved in 22 of these areas in Dumfries and Galloway, 12 in Grampian, eight in Highland, six in Strathclyde and 10 in Tayside. A further seven areas in Strathclyde will achieve the standard in 1990.