§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends to issue a consultation paper on the implementation of the urban waste water treatment directive and the nitrates directive; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TrippierWe have today issued a consultation paper outlining the Government's proposals in England and Wales for criteria and procedures for identifying sensitive areas and less sensitive areas—urban waste water treatment directive—and "polluted waters"—nitrates directive. As far as I am aware the United Kingdom is the first member state to consult publicly on the way we intend to implement these directives. This, I believe, demonstrates the Government's commitment to openness in environmental decision making and to the proper implementation of these directives which will make an important contribution to improving our environment. A copy of the consultation paper has been placed in the Library of the House.