HC Deb 16 January 1995 vol 252 cc293-4W
Mrs. Helen Jackson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what research he has commissioned to examine the overall cost of removing lead piping from the household water systems.

Mr. Atkins

The results of research commissioned from the Water Research Centre into the cost of replacing lead pipes were reported in 1992. Copies of this report are being replaced in the Library of the House.

Mrs. Helen Jackson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he plans to issue new regulations to control standards of work and product specifications with regard to domestic plumbing systems.

Mr. Atkins

I refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to my hon Friend the Member for Hereford (Mr. Shepherd) on 12 January,Official Report, columns 174–75.

Mrs. Helen Jackson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has had and from which organisations about establishing a grant-aided programme to replace lead pipes from domestic water systems; and what plans he has to do so.

Mr. Atkins

I am not aware of any representations for such a programme; I have no plans to extend the present house renovation grant.