HC Deb 27 July 1976 vol 916 cc170-1W
Mr. Onslow

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proportion of the water quality reports in each of the regional water authority areas in England and Wales has failed to meet the required standard in each of the past two years.

Mr. Denis Howell

Water authorities are required to provide a "wholesome" supply of water and they are not required to make detailed reports to the Secretary of State on the quality of these supplies; for the remainder of their responsibilities they are required, by the Water Act 1973, to report on the discharge of their functions but these reports do not provide detailed material with which to answer the Question.