§ Dr. WhiteheadTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made towards the adoption of a European standard for the manufacture and installation of plastic sewerage pipes. [22763]
§ Angela EagleProgress toward the adoption of a European standard for different types of plastic sewerage pipes is being made as follows
Proposals for a European standard for PVC-U) Poly-Vinyl Chloride—Unplasticised) piping systems for non pressure underground drainage and sewerage (Part 1. Pipes and Fittings) have passed the formal vote stage in Europe and are awaiting publication as European standard EN 1401–1.Proposals for a European Standard for PP (Polypropylene) piping systems for non pressure underground drainage and sewerage (Part 1. Pipes and Fittings) have passed the formal vote stage in Europe and are awaiting publication as European standard EN 1852–1.Proposals for a European standard for PE (Polyethylene) piping systems for non pressure underground drainage and sewerage (Part 1. Pipes and Fittings) have recently been through the CEN enquiry process as prEN 12666–1. Comments are now being considered by the appropriate CEN Working Group.Proposals for a European standard for plastics piping systems for structured wall non pressure underground drainage and sewerage (Part 1. Pipes and Fittings), PVC-U, PP and PE are about to be submitted for CEN enquiry.
§ Dr. WhiteheadTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what standards for the unblocking of sewage pipes by high pressure water jet are presently in force. [22762]
§ Angela EagleA Code of Practice for removing blockages, which limits the pressure of the cleaning jet when blockages occur in plastic pipes, is currently in force. This can be used as a condition of contract for jetting contractors. I understand a new design of jet has been developed from which it is claimed that thin walled pipes cannot sustain damage.