Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department plans to take to increase the number of Blue Flag beaches in the UK.

Blue Flag is an international award of the Foundation for Environmental Education for beaches and marinas which meet a range of criteria. Blue Flag is independent of Government and in England is administered by Keep Britain Tidy. There are four criteria for a Blue Flag:

• Water quality - beaches must be classified as Excellent under the Bathing Water Directive

• Environmental education and information

• Environmental management

• Safety and services

  The Government has made clear that we will keep working to improve our environment and make sure it is protected for future generations. The 25 Year Environmental Plan sets out our commitment to continue to improve the cleanliness of our waters.