§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) by what date he plans to end the discharge of untreated sewage from Wales into the sea, whether by long or short outfalls;
(2) what assessment he has made of the cost of ending the discharge of untreated sewage from Wales into the sea;
(3) whether he will make it his policy to end the discharge of untreated sewage from Wales into the sea and into estuaries; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GristThe Government remain to be convinced that prior treatment is always necessary or desirable where properly designed and sited long sea outfalls are available. However, a study has been commissioned, to be undertaken by Consultants in Environmental Sciences Ltd., to investigate the likely costs and benefits, both environmental and financial, of applying various treatment standards to all major discharges.
§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the outfalls into the sea and estuaries carrying untreated sewage from Wales which are currently being extended or for which extensions are being planned, with the cost of each project and its projected date of completion.
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§ Mr. GristThis is a matter for Dwr Cymru Cyfyngedig. Information is held centrally only in respect of investment on outfalls in connection with the United Kingdom's programme to achieve compliance with its obligations under the EC's bathing water directive. This was placed in the Library by my hon. and learned Friend the Minister for Housing and Planning on 20 October.
§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the outfalls which currently convey untreated sewage from Wales into the sea and into estuaries.
§ Mr. GristThis information is available on National Rivers Authority registers and is not held centrally.