HC Deb 14 June 1993 vol 226 cc392-3W
Sir John Hannam

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if the review of the process of technical audit of water companies has been completed; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Yeo

I am pleased to announce that the review of the procedures devised and followed by the drinking water inspectorate for assessing the quality of drinking water supplied by water companies has been completed by Professor P. F. Stott, CBE, FEng, assisted by Dr. R. F. Packham, CChem, FRSC, FIWEM. I have placed a copy of the report in the Library.

Professor Stott describes the standards adopted for drinking water as very demanding. He concludes that, bearing in mind the regulations and the importance to the public of demonstrating that the standards are adhered to, the system and methods devised and developed by the inspectorate are appropriate and sufficient but not more than sufficient for the purpose of checking the compliance of the water companies.

For the future, Professor Stott believes that there could be change as quality management systems are introduced by water companies. The inspectorate will commence consultation with water companies and others on the changes that should be introduced in the longer term.