§ 82. Mr. PawseyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of United Kingdom rivers are of good or fair quality; and what are the comparable figures for the rest of the European Community.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryThe river quality surveys carried out in 1985 throughout the United Kingdom showed that 95 per cent. of the United Kingdom's rivers were of good or fair quality. A review of river classification schemes across the European Community published in 1988 by the Water Research Centre showed that the average figure in the EC for rivers of comparable quality was 75 per cent.; the review also indicated that no other member state bettered the United Kingdom's position.
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95. Mr. LydenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any plans to meet the chairman of the National Rivers Authority to discuss progress on improving the quality of rivers.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryI refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Member for Rossendale and Darwen (Mr. Trippier) to the hon. Member for Workington (Mr. Campbell-Savours) on Wednesday 18 July,Official Report, Volume 176, column 564.