To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reasons water samples have not been taken from the sea at Barmston in East Yorkshire in 2009; what recent representations he has received on sampling sea waters and Barmston’s ability to obtain Bathing Beach Standard; and if he will make a statement. (282748)

The Environment Agency, with the agreement of DEFRA, decided to stop sampling water quality at Barmston at the start of 2008. This decision was taken due to increased coastal erosion which placed staff under unacceptable health and safety risks when accessing the necessary sampling point.

Barmston is an identified bathing water under the Bathing Water Directives (76/160/EEC and 2006/7/EC). An alternative site for the sampling point is being considered.

The Secretary of State has not received any representations regarding sampling bathing water quality at Barmston and will not be making a statement.