To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to discuss (a) reed bed and (b) other soft technology approaches with representatives of (i) Ofwat, (ii) the Environment Agency and (iii) waste companies, with specific reference to sewage alleviation. [115137]

Reed beds and other sustainable drainage systems can, in the right conditions, help to alleviate sewer flooding. My Department has already been in discussions with the Environment Agency, Ofwat and the water industry on this subject and the Environment Agency published the Framework for Sustainable Drainage Systems consultation paper on 19 May.