Independent Water Commission

Debate between Steve Reed and Chris Hinchliff

Wednesday 23rd October 2024 Commons Chamber

[Steve Reed]

We have already announced plans to ringfence money earmarked for investment so that it cannot be diverted for undeserved multimillion-pound bonuses, as happened so frequently under the previous failed Conservative Government.

[Chris Hinchliff (North East Hertfordshire) (Lab)]

The chalk streams in North East Hertfordshire and across England are of international significance, but too often these waterways are not just polluted, but running dry. Will the Secretary of State assure me that the commission will look at the regulation needed to bring an end to not only sewage spills, but the over-abstraction of aquifers and chalk streams?

[Steve Reed]

The commission has a wide remit, and will look at the wider impact of damage to the water system, which got much worse under the previous Government.