§ Mrs. Ann TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the changes in the level of quality of Britain's highest grade rivers since 1989.
§ Mr. TrippierThe National Rivers Authority intends to publish later this year the results of its 1990 river quality survey.
§ Mrs. Ann TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what progress has been made in setting water quality objectives under section 105 of the Water Act 1989;
(2) if he will make it his policy to include in future water quality objectives for inland waters provision for 382W designation of contact water sport areas and to require such designated areas to meet the provisions of European Community directive 76/160/EEC concerning the quality of bathing water;
(3) which organisations have been asked to give their views on the new statutory water quality objectives;
(4) if he will make it his policy to publish the new water quality objectives before May 1992.
§ Mr. TrippierWe have asked the National Rivers Authority to advise the Department on the establishment of the new system of statutory water quality objectives provided for under the Water Act 1989. Discussions on this are continuing and proposals will be issued for public consultation in due course. The new arrangements will be consistent with the requirements of the relevant EC directives.