Written question asked by Lord Deben (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 November 2003. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 20 November 2003 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to (a) reduce levels of synthetic oestrogen in river water and (b) prevent the metamorphosis of male fish arising from high levels of synthetic oestrogen. - Including fact that a summary of research findings is available in the Library.

Answer: Mr. Gummer: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to (a) reduce levels of synthetic oestrogen in river water and (b) prevent the metamorphosis of male fish arising from high levels of synthetic oestrogen. [140241] Mr. Morley: The Environment Agency published research findings in 2002 on the effects of oestrogens on aquatic life. A summary of the research findings is available in the Library of the House. My officials are currently discussing, with the water industry, the Office of Water Services (Ofwat) and the Environment Agency, a proposal for a collaborative demonstration programme aimed at assessing the cost-effectiveness of sewage treatment processes for the removal of synthetic oestrogens from sewage.

Secondary information