Sewage Discharge 2023-03-30
2023-03-30
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Water companies have faced criticism for sewage discharges, prompting questions about progress on the issue.
What progress has been made on reducing sewage discharges? Labour notes a 90% reduction target and mandatory monitoring fines.
The Department is asking water companies to deliver their largest infrastructure investment, £56 billion over 25 years. A 100% monitoring record for storm sewage overflows will be achieved by the end of this year. The proposed Labour plan would add £1,000 to customer bills and require excessive pipe installation.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask was not fully addressed; the response focused on cost concerns rather than commitment details
Cost Concerns
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Investment has led to a significant reduction in storm overflows, improving coastal water quality. The question concerns extending the testing period for year-round bathing and surfing.
Will my hon. Friend consider extending the testing season for increasing numbers of all-year bathers and surfers?
The Environment Act 2021 requires companies to make discharge data available in near real time if there is an impact on water quality, and all year-round monitoring will come into force by the end of this year. Companies will also install new flow monitors on more than 2,000 wastewater treatment works.
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Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Tory sewage scandal has affected community waters and livelihoods. The question concerns the Environment Agency's plan to publish new data on discharges.
Is the Secretary of State familiar with new data showing 800 discharges per day, and will she make a statement before the Easter recess?
[Interruption.] I am not sure they are facts.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask was completely ignored; the response denied any relevance or familiarity with the data.
Denial Of Fact
Response accuracy