Written question asked by Chris Ruane (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 July 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 23 July 1998. It was answered by Win Griffiths (Labour) on Thursday, 23 July 1998 on behalf of the Welsh Office.

Welsh Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, if he will establish the factors underlying the recent high turbidity in the inshore waters along the North Wales coast.

Answer: Mr. Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will establish the factors underlying the recent high turbidity in the inshore waters along the North Wales coast. [51386] Mr. Win Griffiths: The June rainfall for 1998 has been one of the highest for any June on record. High river flows as a result of the rain will have generated a larger than normal sediment load into inshore waters at this time of the year. In co-operation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, which has responsibility for the regulation of dredging, the Environment Agency is also investigating whether possible illegal dumping of dredged material in the area has been a contributory factor.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 51386; 316 c630W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Coastal areas Environment Agency Wales Waste disposal North Wales Dredging Rain Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food