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Mr. Chidgey: To provide a little more information, it is correct that discussions between Southern Water and Eastleigh borough council are good at present, but that is as a result of several years of frustration. I make the point again that planning officers in the borough council have had to suffer the frustration of asking for comment from the water company on large-scale planning applications coming through their office, and have had the sorry situation of not getting a response at all. That is the issue—is compulsion necessary? Does a statutory obligation need to be placed on the water companies so that they are part of this planning process?
Mr. Morley: The simple answer to that, if the situation is working, is no. If the situation is not working, however, we may have to look at other measures.
On the hon. Gentleman's final comment about fines in relation to pollution, I recognise that that is an issue. He will know that fines are a matter for the courts, and they often depend on the circumstances in relation to the particular advice. The issue is often raised with the Department, and I will certainly bear his comments in mind.
I have a great deal of sympathy with the hon. Gentleman's case. Southern Water has given undertakings that proposed improvements are to be made, which I hope will deal with some of the problems. In the longer term, on the price review, we expect water companies to put in place proper long-term plans to deal with the issue of sewer flooding, which will be part of the ministerial guidance. I repeat to him that that final guidance will go out in January. We are in the process of compiling it, and I will take seriously the comments that he has made.
- Adjourned accordingly at twenty-four minutes to Four o'clock.
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