§ Paddy TippingTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussion1026W she has had with local authorities on the (a) working and (b) effectiveness of the Water UK protocol on sewer baiting for rats; and if she will make a statement. [162399]
§ Mr. MorleyWe recently sought the views of all Chief Executives of local authorities in England and Wales on how well the liaison arrangements between water companies and local authorities are working in relation to sewer baiting for rats. We asked them to identify which parts of the Water UK protocol were working well and those aspects where improvements might be made. The results of that review will be considered by the Rats in Sewers Working Group.