§ Mr. Tom KingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has had from, and what discussions Ministers have had with, the Environment Agency, regarding the impact of current and future new housing development on(a) sustainable water resources and supply, (b) problems of additional loading in sewage treatment works, (c) flood risk protection and (d) sustainable natural uses of flood plains in (i) England, (ii) the south-west region and (iii) Somerset. [21773]
§ Angela EagleMy right hon. Friend has received no such representations from, or held discussions with, the Environment Agency on these matters. The issue of flood risk protection is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The position in respect of residential development is that water companies have a statutory duty to provide supplies of water sufficient for domestic purposes and this duty extends to all new premises. Current planning guidance requires local authorities to consult with infrastructure providers, such as water suppliers, when drawing up their development plans.