HC Deb 11 March 1997 vol 292 cc117-8W
Mrs. Helen Jackson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what guidelines govern the prosecution of breaches in discharge consents. [18780]

Mr. Clappison

The Environment Agency follows the code for Crown prosecutors and the Attorney-General's guidelines on criteria for prosecutions. Specific prosecution policies are under development. Currently, in respect of prosecution for breaches of discharge consents, the agency follows procedural guidance adopted by the National Rivers Authority.