§ Mr. Moate asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the level of safety of sizeable reservoirs in Great Britain.
190W§ Mr. Giles Shaw:Most problems of reservoir safety, including those recently highlighted in the media, can be dealt with by proper application of the Reservoirs (Safety Provisions) Act 1930. I am satisfied that public bodies such as water authorities and the British Waterways Board will act to ensure the safety of the reservoirs for which they are responsible. As to privately owned or ownerless reservoirs, I shall be reminding local authorities and others concerned of their powers and responsibilities under that Act and will be asking them to identify, and advise me on such reservoirs within their areas. I will then be in a better position to assess any safety problems that such reservoirs may present, with a view to further action.