---

Groundwater (England and Wales) Regulations 2009

My Lords, I do not need to go over what I said. I hope that the Minister heard my question. My first point was about broadband; the second was on the whole question of septic tanks and soakaways. I have two other questions. The third is: what happens if you are in an area such as Lincolnshire, as my noble friend is, where the groundwater rises and falls? How will the agency take that into account? Fourthly, what is the distinction between the role of the Environment Agency and the local authority? Will the local authority be given direction from the Environment Agency? I am not clear who will operate the system. I know where the responsibility lies, but it is the practicality on which I seek clarification. My last two questions follow from comments made by other noble Lords. One is on permits and the other is on the total cost and the likely cost to individuals.