§ Mr. HardyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take immediate action to persuade the private water companies of the need to ensure that the fire-fighting services have an adequate water supply.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryPrivate water companies have statutory duties under the Water Act 1989 both for the provision of water supplies for fire-fighting and in respect of constancy of supply and water pressure. These duties are enforceable by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment under section 20 of the Act.
§ Mr. HardyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has had about the current anxieties of the South Yorkshire fire service in regard to the provision of water supplies.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryNone, but representations have been made to my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department, and are currently being considered.