Water Companies Water Pollution and Overflows 2023-10-19
2023-10-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about water pollution and unsatisfactory overflows, particularly highlighting the need for government intervention.
What steps her Department is taking to require water companies to help reduce water pollution and unsatisfactory overflows. The hon. Member has raised issues around storm sewage overflows and the investment required for improvements.
My hon. Friend is right, no Government in history have taken a more comprehensive approach. This Conservative Government are delivering £60 billion for storm sewage overflows under their plan, with monitoring that reveals illegal discharges previously untracked by Labour.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide specific steps or regulations being implemented to require water companies to reduce pollution and unsatisfactory overflows.
No Government In History Have Taken A More Comprehensive Approach
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The hon. Member aims to differentiate the Conservative plan from other parties by highlighting their investment and monitoring efforts.
Can my hon. Friend confirm that it is only the Conservatives' plan for water that is credible, costed and comprehensive? The questioner also points out discrepancies in sewage discharges between Wales and England under different political regimes.
As ever, my hon. Friend is right on the button. We are the only party with a costed, credible plan. Labour and Liberals lack comparable measures, especially evident in Wales where no enforcement or fines have been issued.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide specific evidence of the Conservative Government's plans being more effective than others beyond general claims.
As Ever, My Hon. Friend Is Right On The Button
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about bathing water quality due to potential discharges from water companies.
Should constituents worry about the quality of North sea water for swimming? The hon. Member suggests automatic fines for discharges could improve water quality.
Ninety three per cent of bathing water around our coast is good or excellent. This indicates a high standard of water quality despite concerns raised by the hon. Member.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The hon. Member highlights issues with Scarborough's South Bay not having a blue flag due to complex sources of pollution.
Will the Minister take a personal interest in the work of the taskforce convened by North Yorkshire Council to address the problem? The questioner notes that discharges come from multiple sources including sea birds, dogs, and ruminants.
My right hon. Friend highlights that the issue is complex. That is why our plan takes a holistic approach and launched a £34 million slurry fund to help farmers reduce pollution from watercourses.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not confirm if the Minister would take personal interest in the work of the taskforce but instead provided information on their plan's approach.
That Is Why Our Plan Takes A Holistic Approach
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The hon. Member criticises the current Government's record on sewage discharge into rivers and oceans.
I have never heard such codswallop in all my time in the House. The hon. Member expresses frustration with increased sewage discharges under privatisation, contrasting it with improvements seen since the tideway tunnel project started.
I had a meeting about the Thames tideway tunnel yesterday. The project has increased wildlife near Lee tunnel, and upon completion will be the biggest means of cleaning up the Thames ever put in place.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not directly address criticisms or provide specific data on sewage discharge levels but rather highlighted benefits from a new project.
I Had A Meeting About The Thames Tideway Tunnel Yesterday
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The hon. Member raises issues about record levels of illegal sewage discharges under current Government oversight.
Last year saw record levels of illegal sewage discharges after cuts to enforcement and water bosses rewarded themselves with £10 million in bonuses while hiking bills for consumers. The hon. Member asks if the polluter should pay rather than consumers.
I have already said that Labour has no credible costed plan. We changed regulation, ensuring no dividends or bonuses can be paid if there is any environmental damage. There were no fines under the previous government; indeed, they faced legal action from the European Commission.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not adopt Labour's plan and instead criticised it while highlighting changes made by their Government.
I Have Already Said That Labour Has No Credible Costed Plan
Response accuracy