§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will investigate the operation of the Prittle Brook sewerage system; and if she will instruct Of vat to bring forward its repair. [165381]
§ Mr. MorleyI understand that the current foul water sewerage system has on several occasions resulted in discharges to Prittle Brook. The situation has been further exacerbated by heavy rainfall and surface water infiltration.
We are aware that Anglian Water has increased its investment in the local network and initiated a number of operational changes and studies e.g. the installation of non-return valves and the removal of tree roots, damaging the sewers.
Each of the water and sewerage companies, including Anglian Water, will be submitting; their business plans later this month setting out their investment proposals for the period 2005–10. These plans incorporate the repair and maintenance of sewers. In the light of these plans, the Director General of Water Services, the independent economic regulator, will make his draft determinations of price limits in August and his final determinations in December 2004