§ Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what regulatory impact assessment has been carried out to establish the likely costs to (a) water companies, (b) other companies, (c) local authorities and (d) the Environment Agency arising from the implementation of the EU Shellfish Directive. [133110]
§ Mr. MorleyA Regulatory Impact Assessment was prepared for the major review of designated waters under the Shellfish Waters Directive (79/923/EEC) announced in 1999. It showed(a) costs to water companies in England estimated at £81 million, (b) no costs identified at the time to other companies and (c) no costs to local authorities. Costs to the Environment Agency are taken into account in their grant received from Defra and are in the region of £320,000 for 2003–04. Costs to water companies of possible further measures are being assessed as part of the current periodic review of water prices.