§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans his Department has made to improve the standard of drinking water in response to the publication of the National Rivers Authority report into the levels of pesticides being found in water supplies; and if he will make a statement. [7335]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe report makes it clear that serious incidents of pesticide pollution are rare, and that the data presented did not reflect drinking water quality. The quality of drinking water is very high; in 1994, of 3.5 million tests carried out, 99.3 per cent. met the 1101W relevant standards. Where standards were not met, water companies have provided legally binding undertakings to carry out the necessary improvements.