HC Deb 17 October 1989 vol 158 c116W
Mr. Spearing

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will state those provisions of legislation which aspire to future responsibility for control and destruction of vermin in sewers owned by the new water plcs.

Mr. Howard

Under section 67 of the Water Act 1989, the water service companies which have succeeded the water authorities have a general duty to cleanse and maintain their sewers. However, the primary responsibility for controlling vermin continues to rest with local authorities, which have a duty under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 to keep their areas free of rats and mice as far as practicable.