§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will introduce the necessary legislation to prohibit the discharge of inadequately treated sewage into coastal waters, rivers and inland waterways and to require that full treatment plants are provided in future for dealing with sewage in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyA proposal for a European Council directive on municipal waste water treatment is at present being considered. Among other matters, the proposed directive lays down minimum requirements for the collection and treatment of domestic, industrial and drainage waters entering the sewerage system. The Government are carrying out a study of the environmental implications and the likely costs associated with this directive. If the directive is adopted, any legislation necessary to implement its requirements will be introduced.
(a) The regional rate increases were: 1985–86 (pence) 1986–87 (pence) 1987–88 (pence) 1988–89 (pence) 1989–90 (pence) Regional rate 100.87 110.38 113.53 122.59 138.07 Increase from previous year 7.54 9.51 3.5 9.06 15.48 Percentage increase 8.1 9.4 2.9 7.98 12.63