§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the regions what representations he has had concerning the provision of water access zones for urban trees; and if he will make a statement. [8490]
§ Angela EagleMy right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment has received a letter from the Permaculture Association (Britain), which is concerned about the impact on urban trees of action to reduce the amount of drinking water lost through leakage.
Events over the past few summers have shown that water conservation is an issue that must be taken seriously. Against this background, average losses of nearly 30 per cent. through leakage from the mains system are intolerable. As part of the Government's 10-point plan for a better water industry, tough mandatory targets are to be put in place to secure a substantial reduction in leakage over the next five years.
Existing leakages may artificially increase the availability of water to trees in the immediate vicinity. However, not all trees in towns will be situated near leaking pipes and so be serviced in this way. In addition, as the naturally dry condition of recent years have demonstrated, most trees are able to adapt to changing conditions above and below ground and to adjust their water demand accordingly. Action taken to reduce leakage is, therefore, unlikely on its own to result in major losses of trees from our towns.