§ Mr. Squireasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of water undertakers' stop cocks and consumer stop valves in water services, following the failure of a large number during the recent cold spell.
§ Mr. Giles ShawMy right hon. Friend has not made such an assessment. It is for water undertakers to assess the adequacy of their stop cocks. I understand that during82W the recent cold spell there were some failures of stop cocks. These fittings are often of considerable age and, being rarely used, need care in their operation, particularly if they are stuck. Some of these failures have undoubtedly occurred because consumers have used excessive force. However, thousands of stop cocks have been closed by water undertakers' staff with few failures.
As to consumers' stop valves, I am aware that experience during the cold spell has underlined the unfortunate fact that some stop valves, unused over many years, fail to function at the moment of need. This is a problem being examined by the standing technical committee on water regulations and I look forward to learning of its recommendations.
I am asking the NWC to examine the problem of burst pipes following the recent cold spell and I shall draw its attention to the matters raised by my hon. Friend as well.