Water Fittings and Pipes (Hansard, 17 June 1986)

§ Mr. Allen Adams
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to establish a system of spot checks at sales outlets for water fittings and pipes to ensure that such products comply with British Safety Standards; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. John Patten
No. I have no proposal to place an additional burden of inspection on sales outlets for water fittings and pipes.

§ Mr. Allen Adams
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to confer upon 498W water authorities the power of entry to domestic and commercial premises to carry out inspections designed to ensure that water fittings and pipes in use are suitable for low pressure systems; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. John Patten
No. Water authorities have powers of entry on to premises to examine water pipes and fittings to ensure that water they supply is not wasted, misused, unduly consumed or contaminated before use. It is for the consumer to assure himself that his pipes and fittings are suitable for his purposes.

§ Mr. Allen Adams
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to place a statutory requirement on water authorities to use only pipes and fittings made to British Safety Standards; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. John Patten
No. Water authorities have procurement policies formulated to secure best value for money. I am advised that wherever practicable water authorities purchase pipes and fittings manufactured to British Standard or equivalent specification.

§ Mr. Allen Adams
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what checks are carried out to ensure that water fittings on sale in the United Kingdom conform to British Safety Standards.

§ Mr. John Patten
It is for the purchaser to assure himself that water fittings offered for sale are of an adequate standard. However water undertakers have powers to enter premises and check whether such fittings are adequate to comply with any byelaws made by them to prevent the waste, misuse, undue consumption or contamination of water. Undertakers also have powers to alter, repair or replace defective fittings at the consumer's expense.