§ Mr. Altonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what complaints have been made to him that the North-West water authority have not given an adequate supply of water to the city of Liverpool; if he will use his powers under the Water Act 1973 to cause a local inquiry to be held; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawI have received no complaints about an inadequate supply of water to Liverpool. I understand however that the North-West water authority is working408W hard to rectify the supply problems caused by the unusually large number of bursts in mains and service pipes during the recent severe weather.
Under the Water Act 1973 I have no powers to intervene unless a formal dispute arises between the water authority and a local authority. I see no reason at present to use my powers under S.13 of the Water Act 1945.