Bathing Waters 2023-05-25
2023-05-25
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Department is being asked to support new bathing waters. The question highlights recent additions and asks about future resource commitments.
What steps her Department is taking to support bathing waters. She noted the addition of four new sites this year, including two in Rutland Water, one in Plymouth, and one on the River Deben near Waldringfield. She asked for assurances that the Environment Agency will be resourced to facilitate monitoring of inland waterways.
The Environment Agency will do the monitoring expected for all designated bathing water sites. The agency welcomes water companies' support and proposals to designate more inland waterways, but clarifies that these funds were anticipated as part of existing storm overflows discharge reduction plans.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm additional resources beyond existing plans.
Under Review
Already Under Way
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question follows up on the designation of new bathing waters. It requests an extension of the testing period to include all-year-round swimming due to increased year-round activity.
Will my right hon. Friend ensure that the Environment Agency is resourced to facilitate monitoring of 100 inland waterway sites as they work towards achieving the bathing water designation? I am targeting a sewage outlet in Plymouth Sound and ask if we should extend testing beyond summer months since wild swimmers use these waters year-round.
The dates set down are consistent with European standards, reflecting higher summer usage. While people swim year-round in different parts of the country, designated sites are based on typical seasonality.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to extending testing period beyond current dates.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP thanks the Secretary of State for designating Devil's Point and Firestone bay in Plymouth as bathing waters. He targets a sewage outlet pumping raw human waste into Plymouth Sound year-round.
I thank the Secretary of State for backing my campaign to designate Devil's Point and Firestone bay in Plymouth as bathing waters. I am targeting a sewage outlet pumping raw human sewage all year round, asking if we should look again at extending water testing beyond summer months since wild swimmers use these waters year-round.
The dates set down are consistent with European standards, reflecting higher summer usage. While people swim year-round in different parts of the country, designated sites are based on typical seasonality.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to extending testing period beyond current dates.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP criticises the Government's voting down of Labour's Bill that aimed to end sewage dumping by making polluters pay. He highlights water companies' apology for their role in the scandal.
Three weeks ago, Tory MPs voted down a Labour Bill to finally end the sewage scandal and make polluters pay. Last week, water companies apologised for their part in the scandal. Given her oversight as Minister leading to increased dumping, will she now apologise? Will she follow Labour's lead and ensure dividends cover costs of ending the scandal?
The Government did not vote down a Bill but rather the control of the Order Paper. It was pointed out that the Labour plan inadequately addressed existing plans, and the hon. Gentleman overlooked Wales' higher frequency of sewage overflow usage under Welsh Labour.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not acknowledge past oversights or commit to ending the scandal.
Correcting Record
Devolved Issue
Response accuracy