§ Mr. Rhodri MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with Dwr Cymru in relation to the rate at which lead piping in the water supply system will be replaced(a) between the main road tapping point up to the customer's premises and (b) in the public mains supply. [9914]
§ Mr. Ron DaviesOn 8 July, the drinking water inspectorate, which advises me on drinking water quality matters, published a report on "Nitrates, Pesticides and Lead 1995 and 1996" which describes the actions being taken by the water companies to reduce levels of lead in water supplies. The measures taken include the replacement of lead communication pipes and table 5.8 in that report includes the numbers of such pipes replaced by Dwr Cymru in 1995 and 1996. In addition, Dwr Cymru's response to the Government's 10-point plan launched at the water summit describes the grants available from the company to its customers toward the cost of replacing lead supply pipes and plumbing. Copies of both reports are in the Library of the House.