asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much oestrogen is currently entering the supply of drinking water from the use of the contraceptive pill or other sources; what proportion of this in water is regarded as medically safe; what progress has been made in the development of processes for its removal; and if he will make a statement.

There is no evidence of the presence of oestrogen in drinking water supplies, although traces have been found in rivers. Contraceptive pills add little to the total natural excretion of oestrogen by animals and humans Oestrogen is removed during conventional water treatment processes.