§ Mr. BrazierTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what arrangements he proposes to make to provide a more independent role for the drinking water inspectorate.
§ Mr. YeoWe propose to transfer to the chief drinking water inspector certain statutory responsibilities of the Secretaries of State for the Environment and for Wales. These include the power to prosecute if water were to be supplied that was unfit for human consumption. We believe that the chief inspector should exercise these responsibilities independently. Legislation will be needed to make the change.