HC Deb 04 June 1996 vol 278 cc414-5W
Mr. Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much of the domestic water supply was lost in leakage and what was the shortfall in supply last year; and what estimate he has made of the shortages in summer 1996. [29777]

Mr. Clappison

Leakage figures for the year 1995–96 are not yet available. For 1994–95 about 30 per cent. of the water put into the domestic supply system was lost due to leakage, including leakages from customers' supply pipes.

There were no supply cuts last year despite one of the hottest and driest summers for over 200 years. The Environment Agency has confirmed in its recent report to my right hon. Friend on the water resource and supply situation for this summer, that, although there is no room for complacency, the measures water companies are taking should be sufficient to enable essential supplies to be maintained in all areas even through a hot, dry summer.