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Water Industry
10 June 2020
Lead MP
Rebecca Pow
Debate Type
General Debate
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Other Contributors: 5
At a Glance
Rebecca Pow raised concerns about water industry in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
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.
John Redwood
Con
Wokingham
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.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
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.
Barnsley South
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.
Rebecca Pow
Con
Taunton Deane
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
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.
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Assessment & feedback
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.