Water Companies Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateLord Cromwell
Main Page: Lord Cromwell (Crossbench - Life peer)Department Debates - View all Lord Cromwell's debates with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
(1 month, 2 weeks ago)
Lords ChamberThe Government are very keen to press forward with new reservoirs. It is unfortunate that no new reservoirs have been built in almost 40 years. There are a number of reasons for that, and it is one of the reasons why we brought in the Planning and Infrastructure Act: to allow major projects—nationally significant infrastructure projects—to be able to move forward more quickly. We are currently working through that process.
My Lords, yesterday I asked the Minister how long it takes to build a reservoir, but I am not sure I got an answer. I am told by a bit of internet research that it will take roughly 10 years to get through planning and then a further five to 10 years to build a reservoir, by which time I think most Members of this House will be either former Members or late Members. Are those the figures that the Minister is working to?