§ Mr. Austin-WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what estimate he has made of the changes in groundwater levels in London; what assessment he has made of the implications for such changes for the London Underground and for buildings; and if he will make a statement; [16913]
(2) what research his Department has commissioned into groundwater levels in London; if he will publish the results of such research; and what action he has taken as a result of such research; [16914]
(3) what assessment he has made of the NRA Thames region report on rising groundwater levels in the chalk-basal sands aquifer of the central London basin as it affects possible flooding in London; and if he will make a statement; [16962]
(4) what assessment he has made of the possible damage to buildings from rising groundwater levels in London; [16963]
(5) what representations he has received from (a) London Underground Ltd. and (b) others regarding rising groundwater levels in London; [16964]
(6) what estimate he has made of the costs of addressing rising groundwater levels in London by (a) regional control using purpose-built wells, (b) regional control using existing wells, (c) local control by building and landowners on an ad hoc basis and (d) structural modifications to prevent damage coupled with local control as in (c); and what estimate he has made of the costs of taking no such actions; [16965]
(7) what action he has taken to ensure that the design and building of new structures in London takes account of possible future groundwater levels. [16966]
§ Mr. Clappison[holding answers 26 February 1996]: A report, "The engineering implications of rising groundwater levels in the deep aquifer beneath London", was published by the Construction Industry Research and Information Association in May 1989, funded in part by the Department. It reported on groundwater levels in London, rates of change of groundwater levels, locations where problems with deep structures and buildings could occur, the time scale over which problems could arise and the cost implications of a range of control procedures.
460WThe National Rivers Authority, at the request of the Department, has monitored groundwater levels in London since 1989, and reported annually. These reports have been distributed to many organisations including London Underground. Regular meetings are held between the National Rivers Authority, Thames Water Utilities, London Underground Ltd., the Loss Prevention Council and the Association of British Insurers and others to disseminate information. It is the responsibility of owners of existing and new structures to ensure the adequate protection of their assets.