§ Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknishasked Her Majesty's Government:
What impact the European Water Framework Directive, if imposed in its current form, will have on whisky distilling. [HL2370]
§ Lord WhittyThe proposed EC Water Framework Directive is in the final stages of negotiation. Possible effects of the proposed directive on industry, including the Scotch whisky industry, could include tighter controls on some waste water discharges. The draft directive would also require a system of controls on the abstraction and impoundment of water.
Implementation of the directive in Scotland will be a matter for the Scottish Executive.
§ Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknishasked Her Majesty's Government:
What representations they have made to the European Commission on behalf of the Scotch whisky distillers on the current terms of the European Water Framework Directive. [HL2371]
§ Lord WhittyThe Scotch whisky industry has made representations to both the Scottish Executive and the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions on the proposed Water Framework Directive. The industry has concerns in particular about the European Parliament's second reading amendment that would delete a provision allowing abstractions that have no significant impact on water status to be exempt from control. The Government agree that this provision, which is contained in the Common Position text, is important and should be retained.