§ Mr. Gordon MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what new steps his Department is taking to increase the number of bathing waters in the Blackpool/Fylde coast area that comply with EU standards. [31661]
§ Angela EagleFollowing my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment's call on the Environment Agency and North West Water to work together to identify the causes of failure of these bathing waters and improve performance, they announced on 26 February plans for action both in the short and long term to increase compliance with the EU standards. The Government welcome this announcement and the high priority being given to improving bathing water quality standards along this stretch of coast.