To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many water pollution incidents were the subject of prosecutions in each of the last three years; and what was the total amount levied in fines in each year.

The numbers of successful prosecutions for pollution incidents in England and Wales, since the establishment of the National Rivers Authority, are shown, with the total fines imposed.

Period	Total number of prosecutions	Fines (£000)
1 September 1989 to 31 August 1990	395	11,316
1 September 1990 to 31 August 1991	559	773
1 September 1991 to 30 November 1991	150	264
1 Includes £1 million for Shell UK prosecution.

Prosecution figures are based on the date of the court hearing. Further information is contained in the NRA's report "Water Pollution Incidents in England and Wales 1990", which was published on 27 January. Prosecutions prior to I September 1989 would have been brought by the water authorities and comprehensive information is not readily available.