To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the level of algal bloom is in Liverpool Bay; what the locations are of algal bloom in UK waters, broken down by order of severity; if his Department will take steps to treat non-toxic algal bloom accumulated on the North Wales coast; and if he will make a statement. (146894)

Levels of algal blooms are recorded continuously at one site in Liverpool Bay and less regularly elsewhere. Relatively high levels of algae occur in Liverpool Bay in spring and summer, in comparison to offshore regions or shallow regions not in the vicinity of major rivers. However, they do not cause a problem and are similar to other regions around the coast of England that are in the vicinity of major rivers. An exact comparison of levels is difficult due to differences in the frequency of measuring algal blooms. They also vary greatly from year to year.

Algal blooms eventually sink to the sea bed, and are consumed by predators or transported by tides and currents to other regions. Certain types of bloom-forming algae can, under certain conditions, be transported onto the shore and may result in visible scums along the shoreline. These present no health hazard to humans and pose a limited threat to organisms that live on the shore.

The Welsh Assembly Government is responsible for water quality in and around Wales.

I also refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 20 November 2003, Official Report, column 1228W.