Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The hon. Member seeks to highlight the importance of designating specific areas for safe wild swimming.
When will the list of designated bathing waters in England be updated next?
The list of designated bathing waters is updated annually, and we will give updates for the new list in May.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The hon. Member inquires about the status of Devil's Point and Firestone Bay, a national marine park, to be declared as a designated bathing water.
May I ask the Minister to join me for a swim at Devil's Point and Firestone Bay, where she can see the raw sewage pipe and understand why this special piece of water should be declared as a designated bathing water?
I wear a wetsuit when I swim in the sea. The hon. Gentleman will have to wait until May to see if we designate that particular site, but there are 421 designated bathing sites in England as of last year, with 93% classed as 'excellent' and 'good'.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to visiting Devil's Point and Firestone Bay or confirming its designation.
Waiting Until May
Refusing Direct Visit
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The hon. Member questions the necessity and fairness of designating specific sites for swimming when people can swim anywhere.
Why are there only 421 designated bathing water sites? Is this designation scheme a form of rationing?
People can swim wherever they want, but there is a process for designating specific bathing waters which requires demonstrating sufficient interest in using the site and provision of facilities such as car parking and public amenities.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not address whether the designation scheme is rationing or if they plan to change it.
Refusal To Discuss Rationing
Emphasizing Flexibility
Response accuracy