River Pollution

HC Deb 02 June 1997 vol 295 cc31-2W

Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures he proposes to reduce river pollution in Wales. [1303]

Mr. Win Griffiths

The latest information published by the Environment Agency shows that 91.4 per cent. of Welsh rivers are classified as good quality; 6.9 per cent. as fair; with only 1.7 per cent. classed as poor or bad quality. This compares with similar percentages of 59.5, 31.5 and 9.0 for the whole of England and Wales. The Government is committed to protecting the environment, including our rivers, and will put concern for the environment at the heart of future policy making.