§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many miles of sewers in(a) Lancashire and (b) the United Kingdom are in a serious state of disrepair and need to be (i) repaired and (ii) replaced within the next 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [152275]
Mr. Robert AinsworthInformation is available only on a water company basis. In the North West Water region, 4,597 miles of sewer (18.6 per cent. of their total) are assessed as being in a poor condition. For England and Wales. 10.6 per cent. of the sewer network is assessed as being in a poor condition. My Department does not have information covering the United Kingdom as a whole.
Between 2000 and 2005, North West Water plans to renew or renovate 281 miles of sewer. For England and Wales, the comparable figure is 1,130 miles. Companies' plans for 2006 to 2010 will be reviewed as part of the next periodic review of water companies' prices.
257WThe condition of sewers is only one of several factors to be taken into account when assessing whether they need to be repaired or replaced. Various studies are under way to review the basis for future investment.