HC Deb 13 January 1988 vol 125 cc279-80W
Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what is his latest estimate of the cost to the water industry of complying with the EEC recommendations about the levels of water pollution;

(2) what time scale is now envisaged by his Department to allow water authorities to bring their domestic water supplies into conformity with EEC regulations regarding acceptable levels of pollution.

Mr. Moynihan

I refer the hon. Member to my replies to the hon. Member for Bridgend (Mr. Griffiths) of 2 December 1987, at column 622, and 15 December 1987, at column 460 on the subject of drinking water quality.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will identify the areas containing the majority of the 900,000 people who receive drinking water containing nitrate in excess of the EEC's recommended levels.

Mr. Moynihan

The areas are in Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will identify by(a) the pollutant and (b) the level over the EEC recommendation the areas where domestic drinking water supplies do not comply with the latest EEC requirements.

Mr. Moynihan

I shall write to the hon. Member shortly.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has as to the levels of pollutant contained in the domestic water supply in the London borough of Newham above those recommended by the EEC.

Mr. Moynihan

I am not aware of any pollutants exceeding the EC drinking water directive limits in the London borough of Newham.

Ms. Richardson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what provisions will be made for home dialysis users, in the event of water privatisation, with regard to(a) setting levels of charges, and (b) disconnecting supplies for non-payment; and what representations he has received on this matter;

(2) whether there will be a code of practice for water public limited companies to deal with possible termination of supply in cases where general health might be at risk.

Mr. Moynihan

[holding answer 11 January 1988]: Water authorities at present operate a code of practice in relation to payment of bills and disconnection of water supplies. Privatised water utility companies will be required to operate a similar code. Present arrangements to protect dialysis patients in respect of loss of supply and quality of supply will continue.

Ms. Richardson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps will be taken to ensure that water public limited companies comply in all respects within the EEC directive on water quality; and whether he intends to seek amendments to the directive.

Mr. Moynihan

[holding answer 11 January 1988]: The legislation to privatise the water authorities will give the EEC drinking water directive the force of law in the United Kingdom. The Commission is itself considering the process by which directives on water matters may be reviewed.