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 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, what research her Department has conducted into the state of the sewers that it will be transferring to water companies; and what representations from water companies have been received on the proposed changes.

Answer: Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research her Department has conducted into the state of the sewers that it will be transferring to water companies; and what representations from water companies have been received on the proposed changes. [224860] Mr. Morley: Defra's consultants, WS Atkins, conducted an extensive research project looking at the extent and condition of private sewers in England and Wales prior to the publication of the consultation paper in 2003. UKWIR, the water industry research body, also undertook their own research. I must emphasise that a final decision on whether private sewers should be transferred to water companies has not yet been made. A number of issues and practicalities need to be resolved including the scope of any transfer and the form it might take. The Department chairs a Steering Group, of which Water UK are members, which is currently considering sustainable options for the way forward on private sewers.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 432 c1672-3W;432 c1668W; 224860
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Private sector Ownership Property transfer Standards Repairs and maintenance Research Water companies Sewers
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk