§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment why the new draft model water byelaws have been withdrawn and their publication delayed; when he now expects to publish them; and whether he intends to extend the requirement for potability to water supplies not directly derived from the water mains.
§ Mr. John PattenPublication of the Department's new model water byelaws has been delayed because legal drafting has taken longer than expected. I now expect the model to be published early next year. It is for Parliament to fix byelaw-making powers to private suppliers of water.
§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment why, under the provisions of article 9 of the European Community directive (80/778/EC) relating to the quality of water intended for human consumption, he has granted a derogation for parameters such as aluminium, nitrates and nitrites present in drinking water due to waterworks practice or environmental pollution.
§ Mr. John PattenThe Government have granted these derogations under article 9(1)(a) of EC directive 80/778 because in the relevant cases there is no public health hazard, and the other terms of the directive are satisfied.
§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any proposals for the introduction of devices intended to discourage the use of water for hygiene purposes in the home; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenI have no such proposals.
§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many people in the United Kingdom receive drinking water which does not meet European standards set out in European Community directive 80/778; and if he will give the reasons for this.
§ Mr. John PattenWater authorities and water companies in England have applied for and been granted departures under articles 9 and 20 of the directive in respect of water supplies to about 25 per cent. of the population. Many of these applications relate to harmless constituents of the raw water which can nevertheless affect its taste or appearance; for example, iron, manganese and discoloration. As provided for in the directive, where there is any health risk or the excess is due to poor treatment works or distribution systems, programmes of improvement are in train.
Responsibility for these matters in other parts of the United Kingdom rests with my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.