To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the co-operation and information sharing by the Regional Planning Bodies with statutory bodies to determine the extent and location of new water infrastructure required in England. (141324)

I have been asked to reply.

In developing their regional spatial strategies, the regional planning bodies are required to consult with water undertakers in helping to develop the broad development strategy for the next 20 years, including the provision of infrastructure and management policies governing future distribution of regionally or sub-regionally significant activities and development within the region.

The draft RSS is then publicly consulted on and independently examined in public. This process allows issues to be highlighted for further scrutiny and any underlying evidence to be tested for robustness—including any matters relating to water infrastructure and provision.