To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects the National Rivers Authority to publish its next report on the quality of rivers and canals in England and Wales. [34629]

Publication of the report on the latest five-yearly review of the quality of rivers and canals in England and Wales is expected in the second half of 1996. However, the report and accounts of the National Rivers Authority for 1994–95, to be published later this month, will contain interim information about improvements in fresh water quality between 1990 and 1994. A copy will be placed in the Library and I have asked the NRA to send a copy of it to the hon. Member.