§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of recent heavy rainfall and flooding on the replenishment of depleted aquifers; and if he will make a statement. [136944]
§ Mr. MullinThe UK's hydrological situation is monitored jointly by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and the British Geological Survey and monthly reports are published. This regular monthly monitoring shows that only a small minority of aquifers were slightly below their average capacity in early October. Recent heavy rainfall will have helped replenish those remaining depleted aquifers.