Sewage Discharge 2022-09-08
2022-09-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Sewage discharge into rivers, inland waterways, and the sea has caused environmental concerns.
What steps are being taken to ensure untreated sewage is not discharged into rivers, inland waterways, and the sea? The volume of sewage spewed out by water companies is unacceptable, causing public outrage. What specific actions will be taken?
I instructed water chief executives to write to me formally by 21 September with a plan for significant improvements. I also met the Environment Agency and Ofwat, instructing them to use every enforcement power available to ensure compliance. Further action will be taken if necessary.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitments on immediate actions were not provided
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The River Wandle has had a significant water pollution incident, including human sewage. Fines for Thames Water have been insufficient to address the issue.
What actions will be taken to improve the situation of water pollution in the River Wandle and other London rivers? The Environment Agency previously said fines were not sufficient. What specific steps are being taken now?
The Government introduced monitoring and the Environment Act 2021, allowing the Environment Agency to levy unlimited fines on water companies.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific improvements or steps beyond legislative measures were not detailed
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Sewage overflows have led to the closure of beaches and loss of income for local businesses.
Will the Minister demand that Southern Water compensate Sussex seaside businesses affected by sewage overflows? Beachside cafés in Seaford and tourist hotspots in Eastbourne lost money due to beach closures. Will compensation be sought?
The Government have been working on the issue, passing the Environment Act 2021 and setting out £56 billion of capital investment. The Liberal Democrats' plan would result in sewage flowing back into homes.
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Assessment & feedback
Question about compensation was not addressed; instead criticized opposition's proposal
Criticising The Opposition
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Northumbrian Water has paid billions in dividends despite sewage dumping issues. Over 100 beaches have pollution warnings for untreated sewage.
Will the new Minister take urgent action regarding sewage discharge by companies like Northumbrian Water? The last Minister refused to act on this issue, and beaches are now closed due to pollution warnings.
The Government passed the Environment Act 2021 and set out £56 billion of capital investment. We ruled out rises that would have added £122 to household bills.
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Assessment & feedback
Question about immediate action was not directly answered; provided general actions instead
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Innovative systems from abroad could be implemented to improve housing planning and infrastructure.
Will the Secretary of State look at sustainable development systems, such as those used in China and North America, for revising planning laws to build needed housing?
We should look at innovation from around the world to ensure we are transforming our infrastructure, including in the water system.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific consideration or action was detailed
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Flood concerns on the River Severn and discharge issues have been raised by residents of Coton Hill.
Will the Secretary of State accept an invitation to visit the River Severn, meet with residents, and hear their concerns about flooding and discharge?
I would be delighted to visit at the earliest opportunity and for other Ministers to do the same.
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Assessment & feedback
No firm commitment on timing or plan of action was given
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
Liberal Democrats are focusing on the constituency, suggesting a plan that would result in sewage backing up into homes.
Does the Secretary of State agree with his hon. Friend that Liberal Democrats need to be honest about their plans leading to sewage backups during heavy rainfall? The Government's £56 billion investment is presented as the only sustainable solution.
My hon. Friend is right that although storm overflows should not be used, they are a safety valve to prevent raw sewage flooding into homes.
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Assessment & feedback
Question about honesty was not directly answered; instead clarified the issue of storm overflows
Clarifying Issues
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
Over the summer, water companies were allowed to dump sewage on 90 beaches. This affected local businesses in coastal areas which are crucial for visitor economies. Water bosses have been accused of not taking regulatory bodies seriously and profiting from the situation.
Water companies dumped sewage on 90 beaches over the summer, impacting local businesses in coastal hotspots that are already struggling financially. The Secretary of State is satisfied with a phone call to water bosses but does he not realise they are exploiting this situation? Without tougher penalties including prison sentences, their behaviour will not change.
The hon. Gentleman was expected to be constructive but instead he is playing politics. The water companies will report back in two weeks and legislation has been passed allowing for unlimited fines through a criminal process.
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Assessment & feedback
Specifically avoided addressing the need for tougher sanctions including prison sentences as requested.
Playing Politics
Response accuracy