§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list in theOfficial Report the dates and occasions when there has been a major breakdown in public water supply in each of the regional water authorities since their inception, together with a note concerning each relevant cause.
§ Mr. Moynihan[holding answer 26 July 1989]: This information is not held centrally at present. However, I expect the drinking water inspectorate, when established, to keep a record of major breakdowns in public water supply.
§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment under what powers Her Majesty's Government will require suppliers of water to retain a given proportion of storage, filtration and other machinery and plant as standby capacity for occasional use in the event of human, mechanical, or biological failures or accidents.
§ Mr. Howard[holding answer 25 July 1989]: I will write to the hon. Member.