HC Deb 06 December 1995 vol 268 cc237-8W
Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many representations he has received over the last year from individuals and organisations expressing concerns about the ability of Yorkshire Water to supply water, and its investment programmes; and what action he or his officials have taken following such representations. [4214]

Mr. Clappison

A number of representations have been received over the past year from interested parties about various aspects of Yorkshire Water's activities. The Government have announced a review of the lessons to be learnt from this summer's drought and of the action to be taken to enable a sensible balance to be struck between customers' expectations and costs of providing the service and protecting the environment.

Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) on what dates in the last year he, other Ministerial colleagues or officials have met(a) representatives of Yorkshire Water and (b) the director of Ofwat or Ofwat officials to discuss matters relating to Yorkshire Water; [4215]

(2) how many representations and on what dates he has received from Ofwat over the past three years, about the ability of Yorkshire Water to supply water to all its customers during periods of drought; and on what dates he or his officials made contact with Yorkshire Water about such representations; and if he will make a statement. [4216]

Mr. Clappison

Ministers have met Yorkshire Water officials on several occasions over the year. There is frequent contact between officials and the Director General of Water Services and his officials. No representations have been made by Ofwat to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment about Yorkshire Water.

Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will establish an independent public inquiry into all aspects of Yorkshire Water; [4217]

(2) what plans he has for encouraging Yorkshire Water to invest more in infrastructure to enable it to move water within the region and to repair leaks and maintain pipes. [4218]

Mr. Clappison

A public inquiry would not be appropriate. The performance of Yorkshire Water is a matter for the Director General of Water Services, who has already written to the company about various aspects of its operations.