HC Deb 21 March 1979 vol 964 cc626-7W
Mr. Hordern

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish an estimate of funds which will be made available to inner cities under present Government proposals.

Mr. Guy Barnett

The public expenditure White Paper—Cmnd. 7439—published in January set out in the following table the resources, at November 1977 prices, to be made available under the urban programme for the period up to 1982–83, the greater part of it for partnership and programme authorities:

and replacement of public sewers and water mains.

Mr. Denis Howell

Figures published by the National Water Council in its 1978 water industry review show that capital investment on renewals is running at about £130 million per annum. In addition, the published accounts of the water authorities show a total of about £73 million spent in 1977–78 in their revenue budgets for repair and maintenance of sewers and water mains.

Mr. Hannam

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his latest estimate of the annual average sum required for the maintenance and renewal of all sewers and water mains.

Mr. Denis Howell

The water industry has not yet collected all the information necessary on which to base a firm estimate. However, the National Water Council, in its 1978 water industry review, suggests that, except for one or two areas where demonstrable problems exist, it is possible that much of the nation's sewerage and water distribution system will last for many years to come without a dramatic increase in the resources needed for their maintenance and renewal.

Mr. Hannam

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the renewal and replacement of sewers and water mains has continued at the same rate as that described in the national assessment of June 1977.

Mr. Denis Howell

Yes.

Mr. Hannam

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made in the collection of detailed maintenance, repair and renewal data for those sewers and water mains outside the responsibility of the water authorities.

Mr. Denis Howell

None of which I am aware.