HC Deb 02 February 1998 vol 305 cc453-4W
Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposal he(a) advanced and (b) supported in respect of the maximum concentration of boron to be permitted in drinking water during discussion with EU partners on the Drinking Water Directive; and if he will make a statement. [26823]

Angela Eagle

The Commission proposed a standard of one milligramme per litre for boron. The Council in its Common Position unanimously accepted that value.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his policy in respect of the terms of the amended EC Directive on Drinking Water as they relate to the powers given to exempt drinking water supplies(a) of less than 10 cubic metres of water per day and (b) serving 50 people or less from the terms of the directive; and if he will make a statement. [26821]

Angela Eagle

The proposal for a revised Drinking Water Directive is at the stage of the Council having agreed a Common Position. The proposal now goes to the European Parliament for Second Reading, before coming back to Council for consideration of any amendments. Policy on implementation cannot be decided until the terms of the Directive are settled, which may not be for some time.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the pesticides for which he sought relaxation of the maximum concentrations permitted in drinking water during discussions with EU partners on the Drinking Water Directive; and if he will make a statement. [26822]

Angela Eagle

No such relaxations were sought.