I have been contacted by a constituent who is concerned about the Thames Water Tideway Tunnel.
My constituent claims that the building of this tunnel has violated EU protocol and that the European Investment Bank has loaned large sums of money for the completion of the project.
He also claims that the cost is too high when cheaper alternatives exist and that the high cost will reflect itself in taxes and water rates for Londoners.
My constituent is part of a group called Thames Blue Green Economy, which has produced a report(1) criticising the Thames Water Tideway Tunnel.
Can the Commission confirm:
1. If the building of the Thames Water Tideway Tunnel violates any EC laws?
2. On what grounds the European Investment Bank lent money to the project?
Answer given by Mr Vella on behalf of the Commission
The Commission has no evidence to suggest that the building of the Thames Water Tideway Tunnel violates any EC laws, and it is not aware of any breach of EU public procurement rules. Contrary to the information provided in the report specifically referred to by the Honourable Member in his question, the United Kingdom has not been required to pay any fines for any infringement of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive(1) with regard to this project or indeed any other breaches of the directive. The significant sums quoted therein(2) as having been paid and currently being paid to the Commission in fines are incorrect.
Furthermore, the Commission is aware that the project has been given the green light to receive support from the European Investment Bank. Article 309 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union explains the basis on which such loans are granted.
(1) Directive 91/271/EEC concerning urban waste water treatment, OJ L 135, 30.5.1991, p. 40.
(2) The report states that ‘infraction fines are accruing daily’ quoting an amount of GBP 2.28 billion, with GBP 1.4 billion in additional fines being stated as likely until the Tunnel’s estimated completion in 2023.
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