§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the effect of the projected housing numbers forecast for the South East on the level of water supply; and if he will make a statement. [131514]
§ Keith HillThe Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is committed to ensuring that projected growth in housing numbers across the South East has the necessary water and sewerage services. In the growth areas, proposals for increased housing are based on studies which assess infrastructure requirements including water, and as more specific locations for growth are defined in local studies and plans, the requirements can be considered in terms of specific capacity increases required.
Together with regional and local partners, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has held and will continue discussions with the respective water undertakers and environmental regulators over the level of water supplies needed to meet the projected housing growth across the South East.