§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment why Mid-Sussex Water has been allowed 20 years in which to deal with the problem of discolouration of drinking water supplies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryThe undertaking the Mid-Sussex Water Company has given to my right hon. Friend under section 20 of the Water Act 1989 includes a commitment to carry out a mains refurbishment programme in priority zones over the next five years. Provisional estimates are that this will involve replacing approximately 30 km of mains and relining approximately 207 km. At the end of that period the Drinking Water inspectorate will examine with the company what more needs to be done to its distribution system. Before he accepted an undertaking from the company, my right hon. Friend satisfied himself that it is taking all appropriate steps to remedy breaches of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 1989, and that these breaches in question do not constitute a hazard to health.