Written question asked by Patrick Mercer (Conservative) on Tuesday, 2 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 November 2004. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Monday, 15 November 2004 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, how many people are employed in the UK to protect reservoirs from terrorist attack; and what measures have been taken to protect reservoirs since 2001; how many people are employed in the UK to provide security for dams; and what measures have been taken to ensure dams are protected since 2001.

Answer: Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how many people are employed in the UK to protect reservoirs from terrorist attack; and what measures have been taken to protect reservoirs since 2001; [196294] (2) how many people are employed in the UK to provide security for dams; and what measures have been taken to ensure dams are protected since 2001. [196307] Mr. Morley: The safety and protection of dams and reservoirs is a matter for the dam owner or reservoir undertaker. The Reservoir Act 1975 provides a safety regime for large raised reservoirs and their dams and reservoir undertakers are required to engage specialist engineers to monitor and inspect them. The Department does not keep information about the people employed at these sites.

Secondary information