Written question asked by Michael Meacher (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 October 1996. It was answered by James Clappison (Conservative) on Monday, 14 October 1996 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: If he will comment on developments made in the implementation of statutory water quality objectives.

Answer: Mr. Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on developments made in the implementation of statutory water quality objectives. [40400] Mr. Clappison: Last year, the Secretary of State asked the National Rivers Authority to prepare proposals for statutory water quality objectives in a small number of trial river catchments. I understand that the Environment Agency has recently completed a three-month consultation exercise on its draft proposals and is now finalising its recommendations for statutory objectives in eight river catchments. Once the recommendations have been received, they will be the subject of a statutory consultation exercise before a final decision is taken on their implementation.

Secondary information