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Flooding (Newcastle)

Mr. Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 6 June 2000, Official Report, columns 197-98W, if he will list the flooding incidents at Jesmond Dene and Ouseburn that have occurred from 1 May to date; how many properties were so affected; and what assessment he has made of the impact the proposed sustainable urban drainage system from Newcastle Great Park would have had on flooding incidents. [126009]

Mr. Meacher: The Environment Agency's records indicate that since 1 May 2000 one domestic garage has flooded from the Ouseburn. The Environment Agency is aware of further surface water flooding within the Red House Farm estate and within Brunton Park, Gosforth. This flooding was caused by the drainage systems within these estates being unable to discharge into the Ouseburn when in flood. Although precise numbers are not available, the Environment Agency believes around eight properties on the Red House Farm estate were affected, along with a similar number on the Brunton Park estate.

The Environment Agency believes, based on detailed modelling studies, that the development of the Newcastle Great Park will have no adverse impact in terms of flooding within the Ouseburn catchment. The use of Sustainable Urban Drainage techniques, in the form of large balancing ponds, will maintain water and discharge flow into the Ouseburn at a rate equivalent to the undeveloped site. The design criteria utilised will reduce flows from the development site in extreme

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rainfall events. The development will also benefit from a sewerage system in which foul sewage and surface water will be dealt with separately.

Transport Strategies (Lancaster)

Mr. Dawson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Government's transport strategies and the development of industrial land on the local economy in Lancaster. [124599]

Mr. Hill: Such assessments should be included in the District Local Plan and Local Transport Plan, which are the responsibility of Lancaster city council and Lancaster county council respectively.

Combined Heat and Power

Mr. Pond: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on Government policy relating to combined heat and power projects. [124593]

Mr. Meacher: Combined heat and power is vital to helping us meet our Kyoto commitments. The Government are actively working towards a target of at least 10,000 megawatts by 2010, and will issue and consult on a new CHP Strategy for achieving the target. The Government have already announced that Good Quality CHP will be eligible for Climate Change Levy exemption, Enhanced Capital Allowances, and de-rating of electricity generating plant and machinery, from April next year. I announced the basis on which "Good Quality" would be assessed, following consultation, on 17 May.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, in his statement to the House on energy policy on 17 April 2000, Official Report, columns 697-99, reaffirmed the Government's strong support for CHP, and indicated that it would continue to expect developers to explore opportunities to use CHP, in considering notifications and applications under the Electricity and Energy Acts.

The Government actively work to increase the use of CHP in their own property, other public organisations, industry and commerce. On 17 May I also launched the CHP Club, strengthening the information and advice provided by Government to existing, new and potential CHP users.

Park Homes

Mr. Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to bring the purchasing of park homes within the scope of the existing laws covering the purchase of houses and land; and if he will make a statement. [126093]

Mr. Mullin: My Department will publish the recommendations of the Park Homes Working Party in July, and we will announce our conclusions on them in due course. The report's recommendations include changes to the arrangements for the sale of park homes, but do not propose that park homes be brought within the scope of existing housing legislation.

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Construction Industry Advisory Group

Mr. Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what payment and expenses the Chairman of the construction industry advisory group, Movement for Innovation, receives; [126169]

(2) what the term of office is of the Chairman of the construction industry advisory group, Movement for Innovation; [126170]

(3) if he will review the appointment of the present Chairman of the construction industry advisory group, Movement for Innovation, taking account of his resignation as managing director of a building company. [126171]

Mr. Raynsford: The appointment and term of office of the Chairman of the Movement for Innovation Board are matters for the Board. He has never received any payment or expenses for his work as Chairman. The Movement for Innovation Board and their Chairman have played an important role in promoting radical change in the construction industry and have had a major impact in little more than 18 months. I applaud the very considerable contribution they have made.

Second Homes (Norfolk)

Dr. George Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will estimate for councils in Norfolk the reduction in revenue from council tax which arises from the 50 per cent. dispensation for second homes; [125109]

(2) if he will estimate the reduction in revenue to the Norfolk Police Authority which arises from the 50 per cent. dispensation in council tax for second homes. [125108]

Ms Beverley Hughes: There should be no loss of revenue to Norfolk councils. If a local authority has a reduced tax base because it has dwellings subject to a discount or exemption (this includes second homes discounts), it will receive more grant from the Government.

Water Industry (Consumer Representation)

Tony Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the future of consumer representation in the water industry. [124585]

Mr. Mullin: There are currently 10 Customer Service Committees operating in the interests of consumers in England and Wales as part of the Office of Water Services (OFWAT). The OWFAT National Consumer Council consists of the chairmen of each regional Customer Service Committee and speaks for water consumers at the national level.

The Government have reviewed their policy on consumer representation in the regulated utilities. They published two consultation papers: "A Fair Deal for Consumers: Modernising the Framework for Utility Regulation" (March 1998); and the subsequent "Consumer Councils" (September 1998). The Government's policy was set out in the responses to these consultations published respectively in July 1998 and April 1999.

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The proposals on consumer representation in the water industry, including the establishment of an independent Consumer Council for Water will require legislation. The Government will be consulting on specific policies in the forthcoming draft Water Bill.

Energy Efficiency

Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to publish proposals for changes to Part L of the Building Regulations, which deals with energy efficiency; and if he will make a statement. [126584]

Mr. Raynsford: A consultation on proposals for substantial changes to the energy conservation requirements in Part L of the Building Regulations has been published today. The consultation period will end on 29 September 2000. The Government have made clear their aim to do all they can to address the global problem of adverse climate change. This cannot be achieved by any one policy, and the contribution made by each separate initiative will be crucial to achieving our overall aim.

Buildings produce about half of the total national CO ₂ emissions, and average building performance is poor by comparison with current best practice. If implemented, the proposals would yield significant improvements in the energy efficiency of new buildings and also in existing buildings when they are renovated. This would contribute directly to our vision of more sustainable construction set out in "Building a better quality of life". The draft proposals aim to contribute to the Government's climate change programme while keeping the Regulations technically sound, cost-effective and proportionate. Other improvements would also accrue for those who occupy buildings in terms of the opportunities for increased comfort and reduced energy costs.

This consultation has been anticipated by all sectors of the construction industry and by others who have a desire to see standards of energy efficiency raised. We anticipate receiving comments on the proposals from all interested parties, and all such comments will be considered when drafting our final proposals for amendments. Participation by all interested parties will ensure that the eventual amendments reflect the broadest views of what can reasonably be achieved by the Building Regulations.

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