Written question asked by Tam Dalyell (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 23 January 1997. It was answered by James Clappison (Conservative) on Thursday, 23 January 1997 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: What numerical level of mandatory standard for faecal streptococcus bacteria the Government is prepared to agree to in the revised EU Bathing Water Directive.

Answer: Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what numerical level of mandatory standard for faecal streptococcus bacteria the Government are prepared to agree to in the revised EU bathing water directive. [10863] Mr. Clappison: In the light of the Government's epidemiological studies we consider that the standard for faecal streptococci in any revision of the EU bathing water directive should be broadly equivalent in protective effect to the mandatory standards for coliform bacteria in the existing directive. Our current best estimates are that this would be in the region of 1,000 to 1,200 faecal streptococci per 100ml.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 10863; 288 c676W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Beaches EU action Pollution Pollution control Water Seas and oceans Bacteria