Written question asked by Tam Dalyell (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 26 February 1997. It was answered by James Clappison (Conservative) on Wednesday, 26 February 1997 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: To comment on current levels of groundwater in the United Kingdom; and what assessment he has made of the possibility of water shortages in summer 1997. - (Holding answer 24 February 1997).

Answer: Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on current levels of groundwater in the United Kingdom; and what assessment he has made of the possibility of water shortages in summer 1997. [17273] Mr. Clappison: [holding answer 24 February 1997]: The main aquifers are in England and north Wales, January 1997 levels in the sandstone were commonly the lowest on record. Levels in the chalk were also very depressed. Levels in the small aquifers of Scotland and Northern Ireland are within normal variation. My Department receives weekly reports from the Environmental Agency on the water resources position in England and Wales. In view of the predominantly dry weather during much of the winter, we have commissioned from the Environment Agency a report on the prospects for public water supplies this year, to be based on the water resources position at 28 February. We expect to receive this in mid-March.

Secondary information