HC Deb 15 October 1990 vol 177 cc702-4W
Mr. Mullin

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if, for each water and sewerage undertaker, he will list the dates on which the undertakers submitted their plans pursuant to paragraph 2(2) of the Security Measures (Water and Sewerage Undertakers) Direction 1989;

(2) if he will place in the Library copies of the plans submitted to him by each water and sewerage undertaker pursuant to paragraph 2(2) of the Security Measures (Water and Sewerage Undertakers) Direction 1989;

(3) if for each water and sewerage undertaker, he will state which plans he has approved with modification pursuant to paragraph 2(2) of the Security Measures (Water and Sewerage Undertakers) Direction 1989;

(4) if, for each water and sewerage undertaker, he will state the form in which he has prescribed the reports shall be submitted pursuant to paragraph 2(2) of the Security Measures (Water and Sewerage Undertakers) Direction 1989;

(5) if, for each water and sewerage undertaker, he will state which plans he has approved without modifications pursuant to paragraph 2(2) of the Security Measures (Water and Sewerage Undertakers) Direction 1989.

Mr. Grist

The former Welsh water authority prepared and submitted plans progressively, under letters of direction issued in 1983 and 1986. Undertakers are currently reviewing these plans, following the 1989 direction. In addition, plans for expenditure each year on the provision or purchase of facilities and equipment are submitted to the Department for approval, with modifications if necessary. It is neither in the interests of national security nor commercial confidentiality to provide the further information requested.

Mr. Mullin

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if, for each water and sewerage undertaker, he will list the number of employees he has required to be made available(a) as regional co-ordinators and (b) in such other capacity as he has required and in what capacity, pursuant to paragraph 5(2) of the Security Measures (Water and Sewerage undertakers) Direction 1989.

Mr. Grist

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has appointed a chief regional water co-ordinator, a deputy chief regional water co-ordinator and regional water co-ordinators. Seven employees have been made available by Dwr Cymru Cyfyngedig to fulfil these roles.

Mr. Mullin

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if, for each water and sewerage undertaker, he will give the losses which it has sustained by reason of compliance with the direction, pursuant to paragraph 6(2) of the Security Measures (Water and Sewerage Undertakers) Direction 1989;

(2) if he will place in the Library copies of the reports submitted to him on or before 1 April 1990 pursuant to paragraph 6(1) of the Security Measures (Water and Sewerage Undertakers) Direction 1989;

(3) if, for each water and sewerage undertaker, he will state the form in which he has prescribed the reports shall be submitted pursuant to paragraph 6(2) of the Security Measures (Water and Sewerage Undertakers) Direction 1989;

(4) if, for each water and sewerage undertaker, he will list the dates on which the undertakers reported to him pursuant to paragraph 6(1) of the Security Measures (Water and Sewerage Undertakers) Direction 1989.

Mr. Grist

It is not in the interest of national security to provide details. Information on the losses sustained by each undertaker in complying with the direction is subject to the normal rules of commercial confidentiality.

Mr. Mullin

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) whether, having regard to the Civil Defence (General Local Authority Functions) Regulations 1983 and section 3 of "Emergency Planning Guidance to Local Authorities", the duty to consult other water and sewerage undertakers pursuant to paragraph 5(1) of the Security Measures (Water Sewerage Undertakers) Direction 1989 is to be extended to local authorities with civil defence functions under regulation 4 of the 1983 regulations; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if, for each water and sewerage undertaker, he will state the extent to which he has required their plans, operations, facilities and services to be complementary and co-ordinated pursuant to paragraph 5(1) of the Security Measures (Water and Sewerage Undertakers) Direction 1989;

(3) whether, having regard to the Civil Defence (Fire Services) (Water) Regulations 1956, the duty to consult other water and sewerage undertakers pursuant to paragraph 5(1) of the Security Measures (Water and Sewerage Undertakers) Direction 1989 is to be extended to fire authorities; and if he will make a statement;

(4) what guidance, procedures and requirements have been notified to the water sewerage undertakers by him pursuant to paragraph 2(1)(b) of the Security Measures (Water and Sewerage Undertakers) Direction 1989; and if he will place copies in the Library;

(5) what general policy in respect of civil defence he has notified to the water and sewerage undertakers pursuant to paragraph 2(1)(a) of the Security Measures (Water and Sewerage Undertakers) Direction 1989; and if he will place a copy in the Library.

Mr. Grist

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given to him by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment on 23 July 1990.

Mr. Mullin

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if, for each water and sewerage undertaker, he will list the land he has specified pursuant to paragraph 3(1) of the Security Measures (Water and Sewerage Undertakers) Direction 1989.

Mr. Grist

It would not be in the interests of national security to give the information requested.