§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will give details of the take-up so far of the new grant for the replacement of lead water service pipes to houses; and whether local authorities have indicated any difficulties to him over the rateable value limits.
§ Mr. Giles ShawOver 200 of the relevant local authorities responded to a recent questionnaire from the Institution of Environment Health Officers on their action on lead in water problems over the period 1 January 1982—30 November 1982. In these authorities' areas 372 improvement grants for the replacement of lead pipe have been approved under SI 1982/1205 by eight housing authorities; in addition 73 repair grants for the same purpose have been approved by 10 housing authorities.
There has been no indication that the rateable value limits have caused any difficulties in the take-up of grant.