§ Sir Teddy TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement outlining the steps which have been taken to repeal the water quality directives following the European Council meeting; and what obligations will remain relevant to the United Kingdom in respect of water quality.
§ Mr. AtkinsWe welcome the European Council's decision to make water legislation consistent with subsidiarity and up-to-date science. It is now important that the Commission and the Council should, in giving effect to this decision, ensure that the details of new and revised 3W directives really are consistent with subsidiarity and are confined to essential quality and health parameters. Existing directives will remain in place until the Commission has brought forward proposals, and substitute directives have been agreed by the Council after consultation with the European Parliament.