HC Deb 30 June 1976 vol 914 c171W
Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment by how much the restriction on new sewerage schemes is delaying the building of urgently needed homes in rural areas of the South West of England.

Mr. Denis Howell

In accordance with Government policy, water authorities are giving priority to schemes to support housing and industrial development and to remove danger to public health. But in some parts of the South-West there are backlogs of overdue schemes in rural areas and it will inevitably take time to catch up.

Mr. Hicks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if it is his intention that capital expenditure on new sewerage schemes in rural areas should be halted; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what assessment he has made of the implications for future housebuilding and industrial development in rural areas resulting from the policy laid down and communicated to regional water authorities by his Department; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Denis Howell

In accordance with Government policy, water authorities are giving priority to schemes to support housing and industrial development and to remove danger to public health.

It is not the Government's intention that capital expenditure on new sewerage schemes in rural areas should be halted. But, some authorities inherited backlogs of overdue schemes in rural areas and it will inevitably take time to catch up.