§ Mr. PawseyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking to ensure that water companies follow the recommendations of his Department's letter of advice dated 5 October 1990, concerning action to be taken to prevent the grazing of grass-covered surface reservoirs by livestock.
§ Mr. MacleanThe drinking water inspectorate has made detailed checks on the progress that water companies have made in preventing livestock from grazing on grass-covered service reservoirs. Most service reservoirs with previously unrestricted access to livestock have now been fenced. A few companies have encountered difficulties in obtaining permission to fence reservoirs located in national parks and other areas where restrictions apply. In these cases the inspectorate is encouraging companies to investigate less obtrusive fencing and other means that might be acceptable to the relevant authorities.