HC Deb 23 March 2001 vol 365 cc399-400W
Dr. Starkey

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made in implementing the EC Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC). [155721]

Mr. Robert Ainsworth

We have today published jointly with the National Assembly for Wales our "First Consultation Paper on the Implementation of the EC Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC)". The paper, which is the first in a series of planned consultations, marks the first stage in translating the Water Framework Directive into practical action in England and Wales. The paper invites view s on our proposed approach to some initial questions and also provides an introduction to the Directive's provisions. I have placed copies of the paper in the House Libraries.

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