§ Ms AthertonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the extent of damage being caused to plastic sewerage pipes by rats; and what assessment he has made of potential risks to public health from this. [8454]
§ Angela EagleI understand that the water industry is not aware of any documented evidence of a problem of rats chewing through sewer pipes and there are no indications that such damage to plastic pipes is causing risk to public health.
§ Ms AthertonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what regulations control the use of high pressure water jets to clean sewerage pipes; and if these take account of possible damage caused to the pipes. [8453]
§ Angela EagleNo formal regulations exist to control the use of high pressure water jets to clean sewerage or drainage pipes. The Water Research Centre has prepared a Code of Practice on pressure jetting which has been accepted by the manufacturers of such equipment and contractors. I understand that water companies are likely to specify its use in pressure jetting contracts.
§ Ms AthertonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if standards for the manufacture of plastic sewerage pipes take account of the need to resist damage by rats. [8445]
§ Angela EagleStandards for plastic sewer pipes do not contain any particular provisions to take account of the need to resist damage by rats but my Department will ensure that the issue is raised with the British Standards Institution and organisations which test the suitability of plastic pipes to be used for drainage.