HC Deb 16 October 1996 vol 282 cc1066-7W
Mrs. Helen Jackson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the terms of reference of the committee reviewing the current revision of water byelaws and regulations with particular reference to setting standards for the construction and maintenance of sewerage systems. [40882]

Mr. Robert B. Jones

The Water Regulations Advisory Committee's terms of reference are to advise the Secretary of State for the Environment on the requirements for plumbing installations and fittings to be included in water regulations made under powers in section 74 of the Water Industry Act 1991 and on other technical matters connected with the regulations.

As provided for under section 74, the regulations will deal with contamination, waste, undue consumption and misuse of water in premises; they will not set standards for the construction and maintenance of sewerage systems.

The extension of the current water byelaws, membership of the committee and a timetable of meetings was announced by departmental press release on 14 October. Copies of the press release are available in the House Library.