HC Deb 23 May 1994 vol 244 cc88-9W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment which beaches in England are classified as unsuitable for bathing.

Mr. Atkins

[holding answer 20 May 1994]: None of our identified bathing waters are classified as unsuitable for bathing but bathers should heed local warnings provided on wind, wave and tidal conditions.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the progress of the National Rivers Authority in complying with the European bathing water directive.

Mr. Atkins

[holding answer 20 May 1994]: The NRA continues to report on a steady improvement in compliance. In 1993, four out of five bathing waters in England and Wales were better than the relevant EC standards. There are schemes under way to bring virtually all the remainder up to standard by the end of next year.