Written question asked by Michael Alison (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 22 January 1997. It was answered by James Clappison (Conservative) on Wednesday, 22 January 1997 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: If he will instruct the Environment Agency to assess and report on the level of water quality in the River Ouse at Cawood, in North Yorkshire, and its compliance with (a) the European Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive and (b) other relevant directives.

Answer: Mr. Alison: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will instruct the Environment Agency to assess and report on the level of water quality in the River Ouse at Cawood, in North Yorkshire, and its compliance with (a) the European urban waste water treatment directive and (b) other relevant directives. [11654] Mr. Clappison: The water quality of the River Ouse at Cawood is class D, "fair". The major influences on existing quality are the River Aire and some direct industrial discharges in the Selby area. The urban waste water treatment directive applies to sewage discharges, not to the river itself, but is likely to contribute to improvements in water quality once its requirements come into effect in 2000. The Ouse already meets the existing requirements of the EU dangerous substances directive.

Secondary information