Rivers and Streams Biodiversity 2024-05-01
2024-05-01
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The discussion revolves around the responsibility for biodiversity in Scottish water bodies, which falls under devolved governance.
What discussions has he had with the Scottish Government on the biodiversity of Scotland's rivers and streams?
Water quality policy is devolved in Scotland. The Scottish Government are responsible for biodiversity in rivers and streams in Scotland, not the United Kingdom Government. It is for the Scottish Government to take action in this vital area.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The context is the perceived superior quality of Scottish waters due to the rejection of water privatisation, as opposed to areas under English and Welsh governance.
Is it not true that Scottish waters are purer because Scotland rejected water privatisation? He notes a recent report indicating untreated sewage has been released into Scottish waters 58,000 times over five years. Only 4% of sewage overflows in Scotland are monitored compared to nearly 100% in England and Wales.
The hon. Member is absolutely wrong. According to a recent report, untreated sewage has been released into Scottish waters and seas more than 58,000 times over the past five years, but only 4% of sewage overflows in Scotland are required to be monitored, unlike in England and Wales, where nearly 100% are monitored, thanks to the efforts of this Government. Unlike this Government, the Scottish Government and Scottish Water are failing to take tough action to monitor sewage overflows and protect our very important waterways.
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