Written question asked by Jonathan Sayeed (Conservative) on Tuesday, 27 November 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 6 December 2001. It was answered by Michael Meacher (Labour) on Thursday, 6 December 2001 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 assessment she has made of the impact of the Bathing Water Directive on (a) rural beaches and (b) tourism policies. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Sayeed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the impact of the Bathing Water Directive on (a) rural beaches and (b) tourism policies. [19542] Mr. Meacher: Water quality has been improved considerably at both resort and rural beaches to meet the requirements of the Directive. Compliance with the Directive's main mandatory standards in England was 98 per cent. this year, compared with 79 per cent. in 1990. Of the 388 bathing waters in England which passed this year, around three-quarters are rural. The enhanced reputation of our beaches will enable more to obtain Blue Flags and Seaside Awards and make our coasts and seaside resorts even more attractive to the millions who visit every year.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 376 c494W; 19542
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Coastal areas Beaches EU law Pollution Standards Water Seas and oceans Tourism Rural areas
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk