§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has reached agreement with the European Commission on changes to the requirements imposed on the United Kingdom by European Community laws on water quality; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe European Council in December asked the Commission to bring forward as soon as possible four framework directives to replace parts of existing Community laws on water quality. We welcome this decision to make water legislation consistent with subsidiarity and up-to-date science. The Commission and the Council must now ensure that the new and revised directives meet these criteria and are confined to essential quality and health parameters. Existing directives will remain in place until the Commission has brought forward its proposals and substitute directives have been agreed by the Council after consultation with the European Parliament.