Written question asked by Baroness McIntosh of Pickering (Conservative) on Monday, 4 April 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 6 April 2005. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 April 2005 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what (a) consultation and (b) research has been done to assess the effects of proposed changes of ownership of private sewers and lateral drains on the sector, with particular reference to companies working in drain services.

Answer: Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what (a) consultation and (b) research has been done to assess the effects of proposed changes of ownership of private sewers and lateral drains on the sector, with particular reference to companies working in drain services. [224859] Mr. Morley: The Department published the Review of Existing Private Sewers and Drains in England and Wales consultation paper in 2003. A range of organisations was consulted, representing many different stakeholder groups. The consultation paper was also publicised in the trade press. Key stakeholders, including the drain repair industry, were invited to a private sewers seminar in January this year. This included a workshop looking at the potential impacts on small businesses. The Department has also undertaken further research to identify the potential impacts any transfer may have on drain repair companies. This involved contacting over 130 companies. A small firms impact test and competition assessment will be included in the updated regulatory impact assessment. This will accompany the decision paper intended for publication in the summer.

Secondary information