§ Mr. Tim SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many communities(a) in England and Wales and (b) in the Thames Water Utilities Ltd. area, and having 125 or more close-built properties, are not on mains drainage; whether it is his policy to ensure that such communities are put on mains drainage; and in what circumstances any communities will be put on mains drainage other than by requisition.
§ Mr. Maclean[holding answer 21 January 1993]: Information about the numbers of communities of 125 or more close-built properties not on mains drainage is not held centrally.
The circumstances in which communities may be connected to mains drainage other than by requisition are explained by the Office of Water Services, in its "Information Note (No. 11) on First Time Rural Sewerage", copies of which have been placed in the Library.
The Department encourages first time connections to mains drainage and mains water supplies in rural areas by providing a grant covering 35 per cent. of eligible scheme costs in response to requisitions by local authorities or owners or occupiers.
In the light of concerns that have been expressed to me about the arrangements for rural water and sewerage services I am considering whether any changes to the legal and financial framework are desirable.