§ Mr. Lyellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received concerning the responsibility of water authorities for the drainage of households which lack mains drainage and are obliged to make use of cesspools or septic tanks.
§ Mr. Giles ShawLocal authorities, not water authorities, are empowered to provide a cesspool emptying service. I have received a number of representations about the charges made for this service, whether it should be made a water authority responsibility, and in one case, the discontinuance of the service by the local authority.
My Department is currently analysing the responses by local authorities to a questionnaire on non-mains drainage facilities. When this is completed, I will consider whether the evidence justifies any changes in current arrangements.