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Answering member
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Elliot Morley
Type
House
Session
Year
Department
Member
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Morley, Elliot (19)
Legislative stage
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To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment her Department has made of the requirements of (a) professional and (b) amateur sporting facilities in the event of the introduction of drought orders;
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment her Department has made of the requirements of (a) professional and (b) amateur sporting facilities in the event of the introduction of drought orders;
Asked by
Roger Gale
(Conservative)
Answered by
Elliot Morley
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
18 April 2006
For answer on
24 April 2006
Answered on
26 April 2006
[holding answer 24 April 2006]: I recognise that any drought order made to restrict use of water may impact on how sporting facilities and clubs maintain their grounds. However, serious drought is an exceptional event and provisions must be in place to allow water companies to fulfil their duty to supply water to domestic customers.Drought orders can be made only after careful consideration of all the issues raised by objectors to an application. A hearing will normally be held by an independent Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State. Objectors have the opportunity to be heard by the Inspector. In determining the application the Secretary of State will take into account the objections raised and the Inspector's recommendations.
Subjects
Droughts; Sportsgrounds
Date
26 April 2006
Reference
445 c1101W;445 c1101W; 64721
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will take steps to exempt (a) county cricket clubs and (b) community sports facilities from drought orders; and if she will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will take steps to exempt (a) county cricket clubs and (b) community sports facilities from drought orders; and if she will make a statement.
Asked by
Hugh Robertson
(Conservative)
Answered by
Elliot Morley
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
19 April 2006
For answer on
24 April 2006
Answered on
26 April 2006
[holding answer 24 April 2006]: I recognise that any drought order made to restrict use of water may impact on how sporting facilities and clubs maintain their grounds. However, serious drought is an exceptional event and provisions must be in place to allow water companies to fulfil their duty to supply water to domestic customers.Drought orders can be made only after careful consideration of all the issues raised by objectors to an application. A hearing will normally be held by an independent Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State. Objectors have the opportunity to be heard by the Inspector. In determining the application the Secretary of State will take into account the objections raised and the Inspector's recommendations.
Subjects
Droughts; Sportsgrounds
Date
26 April 2006
Reference
65112; 445 c1101W;445 c1101W
House
House of Commons
If she will make a statement on water shortages in London and the south-east. [63733]
If she will make a statement on water shortages in London and the south-east. [63733]
Asked by
Greg Hands
(Conservative)
Answered by
Elliot Morley
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
30 March 2006
For answer on
20 April 2006
Answered on
20 April 2006
Both groundwater and some reservoir levels in the south-east are below average for this time of year, and public water supply will need careful management. Water companies are taking prudent measures to conserve supplies in accordance with their drought plans.
Subjects
Conservation; Greater London; Droughts; Water; Water supply; South East
Date
20 April 2006
Reference
445 c219; 63733
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
If she will make a statement on water shortages in the south-east of England. [63739]
If she will make a statement on water shortages in the south-east of England. [63739]
Asked by
David Evennett
(Conservative)
Answered by
Elliot Morley
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
30 March 2006
For answer on
20 April 2006
Answered on
20 April 2006
Both groundwater and some reservoir levels in the south-east are below average for this time of year, and public water supply will need careful management. Water companies are taking prudent measures to conserve supplies in accordance with their drought plans.
Subjects
Conservation; Droughts; Water; Water supply; South East
Date
20 April 2006
Reference
445 c219; 63739
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
If she will make a statement on water shortages in the south-east. [63734]
If she will make a statement on water shortages in the south-east. [63734]
Asked by
Richard Ottaway
(Conservative)
Answered by
Elliot Morley
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
30 March 2006
For answer on
20 April 2006
Answered on
20 April 2006
Both groundwater and some reservoir levels in the south-east are below average for this time of year, and public water supply will need careful management. Water companies are taking prudent measures to conserve supplies in accordance with their drought plans.
Subjects
Conservation; Droughts; Water; Water supply; South East
Date
20 April 2006
Reference
445 c219; 63734
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
It is important to recognise that the hosepipe ban is implemented under the water companies' own measures, and they are restricted in regard to the conditions that they can apply. The hon. Gentleman should be aware that a hosepipe or sprinkler can use in one hour the total daily water consumption of a family of four, which can have a big impact. If the water companies wish to go further and apply the ban to companies, they can apply for a drought order, as some companies have done.
It is important to recognise that the hosepipe ban is implemented under the water companies' own measures, and they are restricted in regard to the conditions that they can apply. The hon. Gentleman should be aware that a hosepipe or sprinkler can use in one hour the total daily water consumption of a family of four, which can have a big impact. If the water companies wish to go further and apply the ban to companies, they can apply for a drought order, as some companies have done.
Answered by
Elliot Morley
(Labour)
Asked by
Greg Hands
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Oral answers to questions
I thank the Minister for that answer. He mentioned prudent measures. Is he aware that the hosepipe ban introduced by Thames Water on 3 April extends only to privately owned vehicles? Does he agree that the public sector also has a role to play here? It would appear, for example, that ministerial cars are exempt from the ban.
Subjects
Conservation; Greater London; Droughts; Water; Water supply; South East
Date
20 April 2006
Reference
445 c219
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Both groundwater and some reservoir levels in the south-east are below average for this time of year, and public water supply will need careful management. Water companies are taking prudent measures to conserve supplies in accordance with their drought plans.
Both groundwater and some reservoir levels in the south-east are below average for this time of year, and public water supply will need careful management. Water companies are taking prudent measures to conserve supplies in accordance with their drought plans.
Answered by
Elliot Morley
(Labour)
Asked by
Greg Hands
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Oral answers to questions
If she will make a statement on water shortages in London and the south-east. [63733]
Subjects
Conservation; Greater London; Droughts; Water; Water supply; South East
Date
20 April 2006
Reference
445 c219
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Water meters are but one tool, but they are an effective tool. Under legislation, water companies can make an application for the compulsory implementation of water meters if there is deemed to be water scarcity status. So far, only one company, Folkestone and Dover Water Services, has made that application, which has been granted. Other companies can make applications if they so choose. The vulnerable groups regulations are designed to protect the most vulnerable in relation to water charges, and we are trialling a pilot scheme in the south-west of England to examine what further measures can be taken to assist people on low incomes.
Water meters are but one tool, but they are an effective tool. Under legislation, water companies can make an application for the compulsory implementation of water meters if there is deemed to be water scarcity status. So far, only one company, Folkestone and Dover Water Services, has made that application, which has been granted. Other companies can make applications if they so choose. The vulnerable groups regulations are designed to protect the most vulnerable in relation to water charges, and we are trialling a pilot scheme in the south-west of England to examine what further measures can be taken to assist people on low incomes.
Answered by
Elliot Morley
(Labour)
Asked by
Roger Williams
(Liberal Democrat)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Oral answers to questions
Further investment in water storage and improved infrastructure maintenance to cut out leaks will be fundamental to addressing this water shortage. I understand, however, that the Government are trialling compulsory metering in some areas. What further plans do the Government have for compulsory metering, and what protection would they put in place for poorer families to prevent them suffering from water poverty?
Subjects
Conservation; Greater London; Droughts; Water; Water supply; South East
Date
20 April 2006
Reference
445 c220-1
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
The issue of water is a devolved matter for the Scottish Executive. Of course, there are interests of common concern, but policy and strategic decisions are devolved.
The issue of water is a devolved matter for the Scottish Executive. Of course, there are interests of common concern, but policy and strategic decisions are devolved.
Answered by
Elliot Morley
(Labour)
Asked by
Jim Sheridan
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Oral answers to questions
In relation to the possibility of water shortages in the south-east, has my hon. Friend had any discussions with the water authorities in Scotland, which, as he will be aware, are still under public control? What discussions, if any, have there been about financial arrangements? I am sure that he will agree that it would be wrong to use public money to bail out private water companies.
Subjects
Conservation; Greater London; Droughts; Water; Water supply; South East
Date
20 April 2006
Reference
445 c220
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
That assumes that the issue of water supply is not taken into account. In the current price round, periodic review 2004, finance is available to water companies in England and Wales to upgrade and connect up to 1 million additional homes. That is within the current programme. Within the future programme, water companies are consultees on regional planning. They must ensure that there is adequate provision in their 25-year forward plans. There are plans for considerable upgrading of existing reservoirs in the south-east and for the building of new reservoirs, along with further measures to make more water resources available.
That assumes that the issue of water supply is not taken into account. In the current price round, periodic review 2004, finance is available to water companies in England and Wales to upgrade and connect up to 1 million additional homes. That is within the current programme. Within the future programme, water companies are consultees on regional planning. They must ensure that there is adequate provision in their 25-year forward plans. There are plans for considerable upgrading of existing reservoirs in the south-east and for the building of new reservoirs, along with further measures to make more water resources available.
Answered by
Elliot Morley
(Labour)
Asked by
Peter Ainsworth
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Oral answers to questions
We cannot really blame the Government for the weather, but we do hold them to account for their failure to tackle climate change. The worry is that the Government are in danger of making the water crisis, if it becomes that over the summer, even worse. Last year, the Environmental Audit Committee warned that significant areas of the south-east are already being supplied water by an unacceptable and unsustainable abstraction regime in both winter and summer months. We all know that more affordable homes are needed, but is not the Minister concerned that pushing ahead with a mass house building programme in an area of water shortage will only make the situation worse? Will he talk to the Deputy Prime Minister about his plans?
Subjects
Conservation; Greater London; Droughts; Water; Water supply; South East
Date
20 April 2006
Reference
445 c221
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State recently launched our Department's climate change review, which outlines a range of measures that cut across all Departments, relating to fiscal policy, regulation, taxation and incentives designed to deal with climate change. It is easy to talk about tackling climate change, but not so easy to implement effective measures.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State recently launched our Department's climate change review, which outlines a range of measures that cut across all Departments, relating to fiscal policy, regulation, taxation and incentives designed to deal with climate change. It is easy to talk about tackling climate change, but not so easy to implement effective measures.
Answered by
Elliot Morley
(Labour)
Asked by
Rob Marris
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Oral answers to questions
This problem is likely to be connected to climate change, which is here to stay, as people will not give up their cars and cheap flights. As a country, we must deal with the effects of climate change as well as discussing measures such as the climate change levy. Can the Minister say a little more about what his Department is doing to address the effects of climate change, to which he adverted earlier, with regard to water, coastal defences, plant research and so on?
Subjects
Conservation; Greater London; Droughts; Water; Water supply; South East
Date
20 April 2006
Reference
445 c220
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
That is not necessarily the case, but we should not get away from the fact that we are facing a two-year drought—and the worst drought since 1976. Indeed, in some parts of the south-east it is the worst drought for 100 years. In that respect, it is not a lot to ask that people should face some restrictions on hosepipe bans in gardens. They can still use watering cans and recycled water. Future demand for water is being taken into account, both in the current five-year price round and 25-year forward plans.
That is not necessarily the case, but we should not get away from the fact that we are facing a two-year drought—and the worst drought since 1976. Indeed, in some parts of the south-east it is the worst drought for 100 years. In that respect, it is not a lot to ask that people should face some restrictions on hosepipe bans in gardens. They can still use watering cans and recycled water. Future demand for water is being taken into account, both in the current five-year price round and 25-year forward plans.
Answered by
Elliot Morley
(Labour)
Asked by
David Evennett
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Oral answers to questions
Is the Minister aware of the anger of many pensioners in my constituency about the hosepipe ban? They feel that, together with the disabled, they are the most discriminated against, as they cannot walk with watering cans to save their plants. They are therefore looking to the Minister to engage in more action and discussion with the water companies to reduce hosepipe bans in future years, and are concerned about further housing developments in the south-east, which will use more water and possibly result in more shortages in future.
Subjects
Conservation; Droughts; Water; Water supply; South East
Date
20 April 2006
Reference
445 c220
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Both groundwater and some reservoir levels in the south-east are below average for this time of year, and public water supply will need careful management. Water companies are taking prudent measures to conserve supplies in accordance with their drought plans.
Both groundwater and some reservoir levels in the south-east are below average for this time of year, and public water supply will need careful management. Water companies are taking prudent measures to conserve supplies in accordance with their drought plans.
Answered by
Elliot Morley
(Labour)
Asked by
David Evennett
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Oral answers to questions
If she will make a statement on water shortages in the south-east of England. [63739]
Subjects
Conservation; Droughts; Water; Water supply; South East
Date
20 April 2006
Reference
445 c219
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
The hon. Gentleman is right to say that the drought started in November 2004. It is the worst drought in the south-east of England since 1976. There is a range of measures that people can take, and it is important prudently to manage water supplies. That includes taking drought orders if necessary. In the longer term, companies have obligations to have drought plans in place and to produce a 25-year forward programme that takes into account water supply and demand as well as issues such as climate change.
The hon. Gentleman is right to say that the drought started in November 2004. It is the worst drought in the south-east of England since 1976. There is a range of measures that people can take, and it is important prudently to manage water supplies. That includes taking drought orders if necessary. In the longer term, companies have obligations to have drought plans in place and to produce a 25-year forward programme that takes into account water supply and demand as well as issues such as climate change.
Answered by
Elliot Morley
(Labour)
Asked by
Richard Ottaway
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Oral answers to questions
But it does not stop with hosepipe bans. Will the Minister confirm the drastic nature of the ““essential use only”” orders that are about to be imposed, which will result in a ban not only on car washes but on the watering of bowling greens, golf courses, tennis courts, sports grounds such as Lord's, the Oval and Wimbledon, and the Royal Parks, including Kew Gardens? Far more importantly, however, this situation has arisen because we have just had our second dry winter in a row. What are the Minister's contingency plans in the event of a third dry winter? If he waits until then, it will be far too late.
Subjects
Conservation; Droughts; Water; Water supply; South East
Date
20 April 2006
Reference
445 c219-20
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Both groundwater and some reservoir levels in the south-east are below average for this time of year, and public water supply will need careful management. Water companies are taking prudent measures to conserve supplies in accordance with their drought plans.
Both groundwater and some reservoir levels in the south-east are below average for this time of year, and public water supply will need careful management. Water companies are taking prudent measures to conserve supplies in accordance with their drought plans.
Answered by
Elliot Morley
(Labour)
Asked by
Richard Ottaway
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Oral answers to questions
If she will make a statement on water shortages in the south-east. [63734]
Subjects
Conservation; Droughts; Water; Water supply; South East
Date
20 April 2006
Reference
445 c219
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what contingency plans are in place in case of drought in summer 2006.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what contingency plans are in place in case of drought in summer 2006.
Asked by
Keith Vaz
(Labour)
Answered by
Elliot Morley
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
31 January 2006
For answer on
2 February 2006
Answered on
9 February 2006
Each water company has a drought plan to manage short term water shortages that contains various triggers to be used depending on the severity of a drought. The provision of drought plans became a statutory requirement in October 2005.
Subjects
Droughts
Date
9 February 2006
Reference
48624; 442 c1351W;442 c1351W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will introduce a requirement on water companies to submit an application for water scarcity status before seeking permission for any new reservoir capacity.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will introduce a requirement on water companies to submit an application for water scarcity status before seeking permission for any new reservoir capacity.
Asked by
Norman Baker
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Elliot Morley
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
28 November 2005
For answer on
30 November 2005
Answered on
6 December 2005
The Government expects any water company proposing a major new water resources development, such as a reservoir, to have fully investigated the opportunities for enhanced levels of demand management. Enhanced levels of metering is one of the measures that should be considered.The legislation governing application for designation as an Area of Water Scarcity are The Water Industry (Prescribed Conditions) Regulations 1999. Under this legislation when determining an application the Secretary of State must have regard to, among other considerations, the water resources which are or could be made available for meeting demand in an area over the period-of 10 years following an application. This would include reservoir capacity.One of the projects the recently formed Water Saving Group will be doing is to encourage companies to better use the current powers they have for promoting metering and develop and take forward options for increasing the particular circumstances in which companies have the discretion to meter, particularly in water stressed areas. The Group will also consider the lessons learnt from a review of the current application for area of water scarcity status and encourage further applications for area of water scarcity status in water stressed areas as well as looking at ways of simplifying the application process.
Subjects
Droughts; Meters; Water; Water supply; Storage; Water companies
Date
6 December 2005
Reference
33665; 440 c1092W;440 c1092W
House
House of Commons
Westminster Hall adjournment debate on global warming and climate change.
Westminster Hall adjournment debate on global warming and climate change.
Lead member
Alan Meale
Answering member
Elliot Morley
Department
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Adjournment debates
Subjects
Coal; Climate change; Carbon dioxide; Biodiversity; Exhaust emissions; Forests; Droughts; Floods; Incinerators; Poverty; Nuclear power; Renewable energy; USA; Climate Change Convention; Sea level
Date
18 January 2005
Reference
429 c191-215WH
Chamber / Committee
Westminster Hall
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans are in place for the provision of water supplies to homes and businesses if low rainfall continues.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans are in place for the provision of water supplies to homes and businesses if low rainfall continues.
Asked by
Brian Jenkins
(Labour)
Answered by
Elliot Morley
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
1 December 2003
For answer on
4 December 2003
Answered on
4 December 2003
Mr. Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans are in place for the provision of
water supplies to homes and businesses if low rainfall continues. [141852]
Mr. Morley: Each water company has a drought plan which sets out the actions necessary to maintain public water supplies during a
drought. Dependent upon the severity of the drought and the effectiveness of the company's earlier actions, a company can apply for
drought permits or drought orders to, respectively, the Environment Agency and the Secretary of State if further measures are
required.
In addition, water companies are required, under a Direction issued in 1998 by the Secretary of State, to have in place plans to
ensure the provision of essential water supply at all times. These plans are regularly reviewed and are independently audited every
year.
Subjects
Droughts; Planning; Water supply
Date
4 December 2003
Reference
141852; 415 c147W
House
House of Commons