§ 19. Mr. McFallTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his latest estimate of costs needed and time required to improve water quality and sewage disposal for Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsDrinking water quality and standards of sewage treatment are already high in Northern Ireland. Nevertheless, there is a need for continuing improvement. An enhanced programme of capital works is in hand to ensure that older water and sewage treatment works are modernised or replaced to ensure compliance with the latest standards. This programme will mean an increase in capital expenditure from the current level of £49 million in 1992–93 to a projected level of £80 million in 1995–96 and expenditure would remain at that level for the rest of the decade.
§ Mr. McAvoyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are his latest proposals to improve water quality and sewage disposal for Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland has a programme of capital works extending over the next 10 years to improve its water and sewerage infrastructure.