Written question asked by Kerry Pollard (Labour) on Monday, 24 September 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 October 2001. It was answered by Michael Meacher (Labour) on Monday, 15 October 2001 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 assessment she has made of the powers of Ofwat to compel water companies to carry out their statutory duties with regard to preventing the incursion of sewage into customers' homes; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the powers of Ofwat to compel water companies to carry out their statutory duties with regard to preventing the incursion of sewage into customers' homes; and if she will make a statement. [7096] Mr. Meacher: Sewerage undertakers have a duty under section 94 of the Water Industry Act 1991 to drain effectually their area and this duty is enforceable by the Secretary of State or the Director General of Water Services. However, there can be practical or financial constraints. The duty in the 1991 Act is not, therefore, considered to be an absolute requirement on undertakers to prevent sewer flooding in all circumstances. Ofwat and the Department are currently examining the causes of sewer flooding and possible remedies. Ofwat will publish a paper on the issue early in 2002.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 7096; 372 c1093-4W;372 c1062W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Liability Floods Ofwat Sewage Repairs and maintenance Water companies Sewers
Legislation: Water Industry Act 1991
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk