Written question asked by Oliver Heald (Conservative) on Wednesday, 7 June 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 June 2023. It was answered by Rebecca Pow (Conservative) on Friday, 23 June 2023 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Rivers: Pollution Control

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if her Department will take steps to work with water companies to explore (a) the management of microplastics in sewage sludge and (b) options for protecting chalk streams; and if she will make a statement.

Original answer: Last year the Government launched the most ambitious plan to reduce sewage discharges from storm overflows in water company history. The Environment Agency are currently developing a microplastics monitoring strategy for river all catchments in England. The Government has prioritised chalk streams in policy and legislation. In the Plan for Water, we reaffirmed our commitment to protecting chalk streams and recognised them as having a special natural heritage.

The answer was corrected by Rebecca Pow (Conservative)

Corrected answer: Last year the Government launched the most ambitious plan to reduce sewage discharges from storm overflows in water company history. The Environment Agency ~~are~~ is currently developing a microplastics monitoring plan ~~strategy~~ for English rivers ~~river all catchments in England~~. The Government has prioritised chalk streams in policy and legislation. In the Plan for Water, we reaffirmed our commitment to protecting chalk streams and recognised them as having a special natural heritage.

Secondary information