2004 press releases

Local MP Warns Prescott His Housebuilding Plans Will Make Sussex Water Crisis Worse

Lewes MP Norman Baker has accused the Government of financing yet more houses in Sussex while water resources are simply unable to cope.

Speaking on the floor of the House of Commons Norman raised the issue in the wake of yesterday's announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, of an investment of £22 million in order to boost government plans for over 2,000 new houses in the south-east.

Norman asked the Deputy Prime Minister:

"Is he aware that pressure on water resources there is so enormous that South East Water, my local water company, is applying for a desalination plant in my constituency? Is he also aware that his regional policies have led to thousands of houses being earmarked for demolition in the north while more housing is being built on scarce greenfield sites in the south-east?"

After the debate Norman said:

"This situation is only going to get worse with the pressing need for affordable housing which we have in the South East. The Government is failing to meet this need - it seems absurd that in other parts of the country - such as in the Deputy Prime Minister's own backyard - thousands of houses are standing empty, ready for demolition."

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