§ Sir Hugh RossiTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made in the studies and research into the effects of bathing or water sports in sea water contaminated by sewage; whether resources have been made available for the early completion of such studies and research on a comprehensive and scientifically validated basis indicated by the methodology proposed by the Langland bay study; and when the results will be made available.
§ Mr. TrippierThe Government supported further research last summer. A beach survey was undertaken at Ramsgate Sands with 2,000 beachgoers and a cohort study was conducted at Moreton (Wirral) using 310 volunteers. These further studies provided the opportunity to confirm the validity of the methodologies developed in the Langland Bay study. I expect to receive a report on these surveys next March and copies will be made available to the House.
The Government are anxious to establish as soon as possible the health risks, if any, of bathing in sewage contaminated sea water and is commissioning further research, jointly funded with the National Rivers Authority, using the methodologies developed over the last two years.