HC Deb 22 January 1992 vol 202 cc197-8W
30. Dr. Kim Howells

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he last met the chairman of the National Rivers Authority to discuss the quality of water in rivers.

Mr. Trippier

I meet Lord Crickhowell regularly to discuss matters relating to the National Rivers Authority's responsibilities for the water environment, including river quality.

32. Mr. John Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress is being made in cleaning up rivers.

Mr. Trippier

The National Rivers Authority's 1990 river quality survey showed that despite a small net deterioration in water quality, around 90 per cent. of our rivers, canals and estuaries are of good or fair quality—compared with the average of 75 per cent. for the European Community.

The survey was too soon to reflect the major investment on which the industry has embarked following privatisation, or the vigorous action being taken by the NRA against polluters. The system of statutory water quality objectives will help ensure that a real and sustained improvement in water quality is achieved.

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