§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how he intends to account to Parliament for his responsibility under EC legislation to ensure that individual and private water supplies meet European standards.
§ Mr. GristMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will be accountable through the usual parliamentary procedures.
§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) how many times the Secretary of State's committee has met since the passing of the Water Act 1989; and what matters have been discussed;
(2) if he will list the names of the individuals who comprise the Secretary of State's committee established under the Water Act 1989;
(3) what matters he has referred to the Secretary of State's committee for Wales since the passing of the Water Act; what advice has been offered to him; and what action he has taken as a result.
§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list his responsibilities under EC and United Kingdom legislation in respect of water supply quality.
§ Mr. GristThe main responsibilities of my right hon. Friend in relation to the quality and sufficiency of water supplies are set out clearly in the Water Act 1989. The EC directives relating to drinking water quality have now been incorporated into subordinate legislation arising from the Act.
657W
§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) in what way local authorities in Wales will be involved in testing and monitoring water supplies from Dwr Cymru, other suppliers and private supplies following the full implementation of the Water Act 1989;
(2) what action he intends to take to bring private water supplies in Wales up to EC standards; and what grants are available to individuals and families who need work undertaken to achieve those standards;
(3) what mechanism he has established to test private water supplies in Wales and to monitor the results of such tests.
§ Mr. GristSection 56 of the Water Act 1989 continues and reinforces the general duty of local authorities to monitor the wholesomeness and sufficiency of all water supplies in their areas. In this respect, I refer the hon. Gentleman to paragraphs 5–19 of Welsh Office circular 47/89, a copy of which is in the Library. Paragraph 12 of that circular also describes the important role of the drinking water inspectorate soon to be established under section 60 of the Act.
From 1 April 1990, schedule 9 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, which amends section 604 of the Housing Act 1985, will come into force and this provides mandatory assistance for a property to have an adequate supply of wholesome water, subject to the grant applicant qualifying under the test of resources. On 29 November this year, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced that there is to be no limit on the amount which local authorities can spend on mandatory home renovation grants which can be used in this regard, next year.
§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what level of punishment and what directives can be called into effect in the event of a finding against the Government in the European Court following any prosecution for failing to meet directives on water quality.
§ Mr. GristThe treaty establishing the European Economic Community does not convey to the Court of Justice express powers in terms of the enforcement of its judgments against member states but the United Kingdom would be under an obligation to comply.