§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what proposals he has for modernising the law relating to water and sewerage, with special reference to adoption arrangements for private sewers; [1101]
(2) what assessment he has made of the consultation paper on water and sewerage law, 1986; and what steps he intends taking to ensure that developers construct sewers to sufficient standards to pass building regulations. [1102]
§ Angela EagleThe Review of Water and Sewerage Law carried out in 1986 considered responsibilities for water supply pipes and lateral drains which link properties to the public sewer. We have no plans at present for water companies to take over ownership of that part of the water pipe or lateral drain which is the responsibility of the householder. But we have recently announced that we expect all water companies to provide a free leakage detection and repair service for supply pipes. All private sewers and drains must be constructed to the standard laid down in the Building Regulations. If they are to be adopted as public sewers by the sewerage undertaker they must be built to the set requirements used by all undertakers which are of a higher standard. We have no plans at present to make any changes to the current legislation with regard to the adoption of private sewers.