Water Supply (Contamination)

HC Deb 06 March 1989 vol 148 c428W

Mr. Andrew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish immediately(a) the terms of reference and (b) the membership of the independently-led inquiry into cryptosporidia contamination in the water supply in the Oxford and Swindon areas.

Mr. Howard

Mr. Terry Dick, chairman of the western consumer consultative committee of the Thames Water region, will conduct the independent investigation established by Thames Water into the cryptosporidia contamination of the water supply in the Oxford and Swindon areas. Mr. Dick will be able to obtain whatever support he needs from within or outside Thames Water. The investigation has the following aims:

1. (i) to describe the events which called into question the purity of the water supply;
2. (ii) to review Thames Water's handling of the incident, from both the technical and customer relations standpoints; and
3. (iii) to assess the effectiveness of the remedial measures taken.

The findings of the investigation will be made public.