§ Mr. BurtTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will announce proposals for regulations on drinking water quality, as provided for in the Water Bill.
§ Mr. HowardSafeguarding the high standard of water supplied to consumers is a prime objective of the Government's Water Bill.
817WThis is why I publish today two consultation papers setting out a comprehensive new system for safeguarding and improving the quality of water supplies.
The papers explain how we will meet the requirements of the EC Drinking Water Directive and go beyond that with additional measures of our own. The papers also point to more frequent and accurate sampling, a new procedure for approval of chemicals and other substances used in supplying water, and the technical details of how water suppliers should implement the regulations.
What is more, water suppliers will be required to provide full information to consumers on the quality of water coming from their taps.
Once these stringent regulations are in force both local authorities, and the Government's new drinking water quality inspectorate, will closely check that all requirements are being met.
All in all this adds up to a comprehensive system for safeguarding and improving supplies of drinking water.
I have placed a copy of the two papers with a summary of their contents in the Library of the House. We shall, of course, be glad to receive suggestions from local authority associations and other interested bodies.