CAMPAIGN FOR RENEWAL OF OLDER SEWERAGE SYSTEMS

Early day motion 742, tabled 4 February 1998 by Joan Walley (Labour). Signed by 40 members.

That this House welcomes the establishment of the Campaign for the Renewal of Older Sewerage Systems; believes a modern sewerage system is vital to maintaining public health; notes that 20 per cent of public sewers are now over 100 years old; draws attention to OFWAT figures which show that 10 per cent of critical sewers, amounting to 7,170 km, are unsatisfactory and a cause for concern; is alarmed that in 1996-97 only 248 km of critical sewers were renovated or repaired; points out that leaking or damaged sewers contaminate groundwater with sewage, allow groundwater to seep into the sewerage system so depleting water resources and let rats escape so posing another threat to public health; urges the sewerage companies and householders to better maintain the sewers and drains for which they are responsible; asks the government to review controls over the quality of materials and installation work for sewers and drains; and calls on the Deputy Prime Minister to hold a 'sewage summit' to set target for improvements and to ensure that the problems in Britain's drains are properly addressed.

Signatures by party: Labour 29, Liberal Democrat 10, Labour/Co-operative 1.