§ Mr. ThurnhamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about the effectiveness of the new National Rivers Authority; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryMy right hon. Friend receives many letters raising matters, such as water pollution, 683W which are now within the responsibility of the National Rivers Authority. I am delighted that the National Rivers Authority has already been able to demonstrate clearly its commitment to effective regulation of water quality. A number of offenders have been successfully prosecuted, and many more have received formal warnings; the authority has embarked on a number of reviews of key policy areas, and is actively developing its priorities for future action.