§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice he has given to local authorities concerning advice to the general public of health hazards associated with blue-green algae.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryAdvice from the Department of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is included in the standard letters sent by the National Rivers Authority to chief environmental health officers, medical officers of environmental health and site owners when particular water bodies are identified as being likely to develop potentially toxic algal blooms. This advice is also included in a leaflet containing information on the dangers associated with blue-green algae published by the National Rivers Authority on 6 June. The wide distribution given to this leaflet included environmental health officers as well as owners and users of recreational water facilities.
§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give details of all research currently undertaken into blue-green algae.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryAs part of the work of its task group on blue-green algae, the National Rivers Authority has undertaken a comprehensive survey of research into this field, both in this country and overseas. Details are included in the report published by the National Rivers Authority on 1 October. The report makes a number of detailed recommendations for further research which are being carefully considered.