§ Mr. SayeedTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the impact of the Bathing Water Directive on(a) rural beaches and (b) tourism policies. [19542]
§ Mr. MeacherWater quality has been improved considerably at both resort and rural beaches to meet the requirements of the Directive. Compliance with the Directive's main mandatory standards in England was 98 per cent. this year, compared with 79 per cent. in 1990. Of the 388 bathing waters in England which passed this year, around three-quarters are rural. The enhanced reputation of our beaches will enable more to obtain Blue Flags and Seaside Awards and make our coasts and seaside resorts even more attractive to the millions who visit every year.