Baroness Blackwood of North Oxford
Main Page: Baroness Blackwood of North Oxford (Conservative - Life peer) Nicola Blackwood (Oxford West and Abingdon) (Con)
        
    
    
    
    
    
        
        
        
            Nicola Blackwood (Oxford West and Abingdon) (Con) 
        
    
        
    
        T9. This winter, my constituents struggled not only with the destruction of river flooding, but with the revolting effects of foul-water flooding and inadequate drainage. We have a severe housing shortage, so it is right that we should be building houses, but this must not make the situation any worse. What steps is the Minister taking to strengthen consultation with water companies during the planning process, and will he meet me and local representatives to discuss the matter?
 Nick Boles
    
        
    
    
    
    
    
        
        
        
            Nick Boles 
        
    
        
    
        I am sure everybody in the House can imagine just how horrible it must be for their own home to be affected by their drains backing up. Of course it is important that every local authority consults, as they are statutorily required to do, with water companies when they draw up their local plans. I would of course be delighted to meet my hon. Friend and any of her constituents to discuss any particular case.