§ Mr. KynochTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to publish a report on drinking water quality in Scotland in 1992; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Hector MonroA report has been published today by the Scottish Office Environment Department which gives an overview of drinking water quality in Scotland in 1992. I have arranged for copies to be placed in the Library.
The report shows that drinking water quality in 1992 has improved since 1991 as a result of the action taken by authorities to deal with water quality problems. In 1992, 98.4 per cent. of all regulatory determinants met the prescribed standards compared with 98 per cent. in 1991. Reported data also showed that for 45 out of 55 numerical standards, 99.7 per cent. of analytical results complied; this is very similar to the results achieved in 1991.
The failures to meet quality standards fully did not represent a risk to public health.