To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will announce the membership of the Water Regulations Advisory Committee; and if he will make a statement. [38218]
Professor John Swaffield of Heriot-Watt university, Edinburgh, has accepted my invitation to chair the Water Regulations Advisory Committee. I have formally appointed Professor Swaffield and 10 members of the committee, whose names appear in the list.The committee's terms of reference are to advise the Secretary of State for the Environment on the requirements of plumbing installations and fittings to be included in regulations made under powers in section 74 of the Water Industry Act 1991 and on other technical matters connected with the regulations.
The regulations will deal with contamination, waste, undue consumption and misuse of water in premises. As part of its remit, the committee will also consider the requirements for water usage by fittings and appliances. This will include advice on such things as WC flush volumes and water used by washing machines and dishwashers.