HC Deb 11 November 1998 vol 319 cc189-90W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals his Department has to protect the United Kingdom's water supply from being infected by parasites which are resistant to current water treatment process. [58714]

Mr. Meale

Water companies in England and Wales are under a duty to supply only drinking water that is wholesome. My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Northern Ireland are answerable for similar provisions relating to Scotland and Northern Ireland.

My right hon. Friends the Minister for the Environment and the Minister for Public Health announced on 3 November 1998 that the Government have accepted in full the recommendations of the Expert Group, chaired by Professor Ian Bouchier, on Cryptosporidium in Water Supplies. These recommendations were drawn up following a thorough review of the measures necessary to protect drinking water supplies against contamination by the Cryptosporidium parasite and we expect water companies and other authorities to implement them. My right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment also confirmed his intention to make Regulations in England and Wales that will ensure that water companies take proper precautions against Cryptosporidium contamination.