Written question asked by Jonathan Sayeed (Conservative) on Wednesday, 15 January 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 22 January 2003. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 January 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 representations her Department will be making to the Council of Ministers in discussions regarding the European Water Framework Directive concerning acceptable targets and objectives for levels of mercury in groundwater.

Answer: Mr. Sayeed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations her Department will be making to the Council of Ministers in discussions regarding the European Water Framework Directive concerning acceptable targets and objectives for levels of mercury in groundwater. [91928] Mr. Morley: The Department will seek to ensure that both human health and the ecosystems dependent upon groundwater are protected from the risks posed by mercury. We will be looking to ensure that the Water Framework Directive and the intended new "daughter" Directive for Groundwater deliver the same high level of protection that is provided under the existing stringent regulatory regime covering mercury in groundwater.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 91928; 398 c341W
Session: 2002-03
EC documents: Dir2000/60/EC
Subjects: EU law Pollution Pollution control Standards Water Mercury Ground water
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk