§ Ms AthertonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the results obtained by the Environment Agency in respect of the interim Falmouth sewage scheme. [50084]
§ Angela EagleThe Environment Agency is carrying out a detailed assessment of the data collected during two recent surveys, which were carried out over the periods 2–5 June (Neap tides) and 23–26 June (Spring tides).
Preliminary findings show that the Falmouth Interim Sewage Treatment Scheme—which is a short-term measure pending implementation of the full scheme by 2000—has brought clear improvements to local bathing waters at Maen Porth, Swanpool and Gyllyngvase, which have been identified under the EC Bathing Water Directive. Also, there has been no deterioration in general water quality or in shellfish waters in the area. I understand that the Agency will publish the full results of their recent surveys as soon as possible.