§ Huw Irranca-DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what steps the Government are taking to address the maintenance problems faced by the owners of existing private sewers; [126029]
318W(2) whether she plans to amend section 104 of the Water Industry Act 1991 to make it compulsory for sewerage undertakers to adopt existing private sewers; [126030]
(3) what plans she has to assist owners of private sewers with maintenance costs before the implementation of new legislation; [126031]
(4) what the time-scale is for changes to the legislation on existing private sewers; [126032]
(5) if she will make it her policy to ensure that the owners of private sewers do not bear sole responsibility for paying for the maintenance of such sewers. [126033]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Department has commissioned research into the extent and condition of private sewers in England and Wales. The problems arising from the current arrangements for existing private sewers have been examined, especially with regard to their ownership and maintenance.
A public consultation paper seeking views on possible options for addressing these problems was published on 1 July this year. The consultation period extends until 26 September 2003. We will need to review responses to the consultation before reaching a view on what action might follow.