Written question asked by Andy King (Labour) on Monday, 4 April 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 April 2005. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 7 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, if she will require that all sewers and drains are laid by suitably qualified persons.

Answer: Andy King: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will require that all sewers and drains are laid by suitably qualified persons. [224849] Mr. Morley: A protocol for the construction of new sewers was established in 2002. Its aim is to put into practice a common approach for the design and construction for new development, to enable wider adoption of sewers in England and Wales. A review of the effectiveness of the protocol was recently undertaken on the Department's behalf. Its findings indicate that developers are not always adhering to the protocol. The Government are now considering the results of this review and its possible implications for the current arrangements for the construction of sewers. I understand that Energy and Utility Skills Ltd., the Sector Skills Council whose purpose is to identify the skill needs of employers and provide effective training solutions in the electricity, gas, waste management and water industries, offers a 13 week ambition energy programme. This has been designed for operators who are involved in the maintenance of the sewerage infrastructure.

Secondary information