§ Dr. BrandTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what timetable his Department plans to set for the installation of secondary treatment works at the Southern Water sewage treatment plant at Yaverland on the Isle of Wight. [55725]
§ Mr. MealeThe Government announced in September that secondary sewage treatment would be required for all significant coastal outfalls in England and Wales. In cases which were formerly potential derogations to a lower level of treatment, such as Yaverland, we will encourage water and sewerage companies to make as rapid progress as possible with installation of secondary treatment. The timing of investment is being discussed between the Environment Agency and individual companies and will be agreed by Ministers early next year, as part of an approved company investment programme.