§ Mr. Bill MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Office of Water Services has the power to specify that water companies should consult with other organisations regarding their joint response to an emergency or a potential emergency; and if he will make a statement. [34178]
439W
§ Angela EagleNo. The Office of Water Services has no such powers. Under section 208 of the Water Industry Act 1991, the Secretary of State has the power to direct water companies to do whatever is deemed necessary to mitigate the effects of an emergency which includes consulting other organisations as necessary. Water companies already work closely with other organisations on emergency planning matters.