§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the lead levels in drinking water supplied by each undertaking in the Northumbrian Water Authority area; what action is being taken to reduce lead levels in drinking water in the Northumbrian Water Authority area; and how many tests on lead levels in drinking water of the Northumbrian Water Authority area have been made and how many are proposed to be made in 1991–92.
§ Mr. Baldry[holding answer 21 May 1991]: The public registers kept by all water companies contain details of lead levels in drinking water and the number of samples taken. The number of samples to be taken is set by the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 1989 and depends on the results of previous analysis of samples, and either the volume of water distributed for domestic purposes in a water supply zone or the population supplied in the zone. All water companies in England and Wales are carrying out surveys to establish whether there is a risk that lead levels in drinking water will exceed the standard set in the regulations of 50 micrograms per litre after it has left the company's pipes. The surveys should be completed in June and companies will then decide what measures, if any, they need to take.