§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions have taken place in the last six months between departmental officials and the Director General of OFWAT on the issue of the adoption of private sewers, with particular reference to the next price round. [89671]
§ Mr. MorleyOFWAT is involved in the steering group managing the work to establish the number, age, extent and condition of private sewers being undertaken by WS Atkins for my Department. This will contribute614W to a consultation exercise on private sewers due to commence in the spring of 2003. Once the steering group has considered the response to that consultation, WS Atkins will then produce a final report, with recommendations. OFWAT will consider any effect on water bills as part of its periodic review of water price limits.
§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what difficulties have been encountered by W. S. Atkins and her Department in identifying the location and the state of repair of private sewers; and what progress has been made. [89675]
§ Mr. MorleyW. S. Atkins have carried out a number of field studies at locations in England and Wales to validate the information contained in the postal surveys they undertook to try to establish the number, age, extent and condition of private sewers. A consultation paper will be issued by the Department in the spring which will contain the outcome of this work, including any difficulties they have discovered, and will seek views on possible solutions.