§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to combat the threat to health from water in those parts of London and the south-east supplied by Three Valleys Water; and if he will make a statement. [18782]
§ Mr. GummerCryptosporidium is a parasite found in man and animals which has been recognised relatively recently as a cause of diarrhoea. It can be transmitted in many ways, including by contact with animals and people, 733W and by food and water. Cryptosporidiosis, the illness arising from exposure to cryptosporidium, is a self-limiting condition in most adults, but it can last for several weeks. Infants, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk than the general population.
Following a waterborne outbreak in 1989, an expert group was set up under the late Sir John Badenoch and produced a report. The research they recommended was put in hand and the expert group published a further report on the results in 1995. The group made a number of recommendations on good practice, particularly on monitoring and the operation of water treatment. They stressed the importance of co-ordination between water companies, local authorities and health authorities and the formation of outbreak control teams. This has become standard practice. Both reports by the expert group were widely circulated to water companies, local authorities and health authorities. They concluded that properly operated water treatment processes are usually very effective in removing cryptosporidium from water.
The management of the threat to health of consumers affected by this incident is a matter for Three Valleys Water in consultation with the relevant health authorities and local authorities. Boiling the water will kill cryptosporidium. Three Valleys Water has issued precautionary advice to boil water and this advice will remain in force until Three Valleys Water and the relevant health and local authorities are satisfied that the water is safe to drink without boiling.
The drinking water inspectorate has commenced a full investigation to establish whether the recent outbreak of cryptosporidiosis is linked to the water supply. If so, the inspectorate will consider whether a prosecution should be brought against Three Valleys Water for supplying water unfit for human consumption.
Finally, I have agreed with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health that we should convene an expert group under a new chairman to establish what lessons can be learnt from recent incidents involving cryptosporidium.