HC Deb 29 October 2002 vol 391 c689W
Mr. Drew

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what powers he has to intervene where local authorities have failed to make public utilities comply with their statutory obligations. [77839]

Mr. Raynsford

Any specific powers for the Secretary of State to intervene in such cases would be set out in the relevant legislation. Generally, enforcement of utilities' obligations is entirely a matter for the relevant regulatory body including, in some cases, local authorities.