HC Deb 18 January 1999 vol 323 cc302-3W
Mr. Brake

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if it is his policy that it be a requirement of all industry standards and the Building Regulations that sewerage and drainage pipes should not be split or otherwise damaged as the result of cleaning activities. [65888]

Mr. Raynsford

The development of standards for construction products, including drainage pipes, is a matter for the British Standards Institution in co-operation with European standards bodies. More detailed specifications for sewerage pipes are developed by the water industry, as was indicated in an answer on 7 July 1998,official report, columns 480–81, to a Written Question from the hon. Member for Lichfield (Mr. Fabricant). These standards are not formally endorsed by my Department and are thus not subject to Government policy.

Regulation 7 of the Building Regulations requires that building work which is subject to the Regulations should be carried out using proper materials which are appropriate for the circumstances in which they are used. As the blockage of a drain or sewer can be anticipated at some time during their lifetime, it is not unreasonable to expect the pipe to be able to withstand normal cleaning activities.

Mr. Brake

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will raise the standards for pipes used for underground drainage in the review of Part H of the Building Regulations to ensure they are not vulnerable to damage from(a) conventional rodding and (b) high pressure jetting. [65890]

Mr. Raynsford

The current review of Part H of the Building Regulations will consider the need for advice to ensure that pipes used for underground drainage are not vulnerable to damage during cleaning operations.

The Building Regulations are functional in nature, and do not specify standards for building materials. However, the Approved Document to Part H, which gives guidance on ways in which to achieve compliance with the Regulations, makes reference to British Standards saying any material conforming to the Standards listed may be used for below ground drainage. At this early stage in the review it cannot be said whether or not the listing will need to be amended.