House of Commons · General Debate
10 June 2020 · 5 other contributors
Opened by Rebecca Pow Con Yeovil
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Rebecca Pow raised concerns about water industry in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Moves an amendment to the Water Industry (Specified Infrastructure Projects) (English Undertakers) Regulations 2013 to remove a sunsetting provision, allowing these regulations to continue in force. The 2013 regulations help contain risks for large or complex water and sewerage infrastructure projects by enabling the Secretary of State or Ofwat to specify such projects if they meet certain conditions, aiming to ensure better value for money and risk management.
Raises concerns about water supply capacity in the south-east, urging the provision of more water capacity and irrigation needs for local food production. Acknowledges the Minister's response regarding big infrastructure projects but expresses urgency around reservoir capacity.
Questions the Minister about ensuring that practices taking water out of rivers by water companies will cease, aiming to retain river water levels. Emphasises the importance of maintaining proper river status.
Supports the continuation of the Thames Tideway tunnel regulations, highlighting its success and requesting an update on progress. Questions the Minister about the lack of a new sunset clause and asks for steps to ensure customer confidence in water companies.
Agrees with the shadow minister's point regarding the need for more reservoir provision in the south-east to address water supply issues.
Welcomes the amendment and praises the Thames Tideway tunnel project. Explains that a new sunset clause is unnecessary due to infrequent use of regulatory powers. Provides details on the operational timeline and cost savings for customers, reassures about water supply issues and outlines future policies.
Government Response
Welcomes the amendment to continue regulations concerning the Thames Tideway tunnel project. Explains that no new sunset clause is necessary as regulatory powers will be used infrequently, reassures on cost savings for customers and outlines future policies.