§ Paddy Tipping: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether it is her policy to improve the liaison between local authorities and sewerage undertakers to control the rat population in sewers and drains more effectively. [162400]
§ Mr Morley[holding answer 22 March 2004]Yes. In 1999, we worked with the Local Government Association and WaterUK to prepare and publish a joint protocol, which contained arrangements for closer working relationships between water companies and local authorities in respect of rodent infestations in sewers.