Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Thursday, 13 October 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 17 October 2005. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 October 2005 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Water

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs who is responsible for protecting water supplies from tampering; and what measures are taken to do so.

Answer: Water companies are responsible for protecting the public water supply. Their installations and facilities have security precautions in place to protect the treated water supply from tampering and these are continually reviewed by the companies. They also have plans to cater for all types of emergency situations including contamination of supply. It is not the policy of the Department to disclose details of these arrangements or any procedures relating to national security.

Secondary information