Written question asked by Lord Dykes (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Monday, 1 October 2007.

Water Quality: Beaches

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will propose changes to European Union bathing water directives 76/160/EEC and 2006/7/EC to increase the protection to the public from sewage pollution on United Kingdom beaches.

Answer: The revised bathing water directive 2006/7/EC requires the European Commission to review the directive (and present legislative proposals, if necessary) by 2020. The review will consider, in particular, whether it would be appropriate to modify the new more stringent microbiological standards in the revised directive (further to protect public health), which are based on World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations. The review process will begin in 2008 when the Commission is expected to submit a report to the European Parliament and the Council on: the results of a European epidemiological study conducted by the Commission in collaboration with member states; any other scientific, analytical and epidemiological developments relevant to the parameters for bathing water quality; and WHO recommendations. The UK Government will have until the end of 2014 to submit written observations on the Commission’s report, including identifying any further research which may be needed to assist the Commission in its review of the revised directive.

Secondary information