Introduction to the CPP

The CPP.

Introduction

The Committee on Products and Processes for Use in Public Water Supply (CPP) provided expert advice to Government Authorities in England and Wales on approval issues. When required, the CPP also advised the Government Authorities on revocation or modification of approvals or prohibition of the use of substances, products and processes. The CPP also provided a similar function for the authorities in Scotland and Northern Ireland, although the regulatory provisions are different. The CPP was constituted as an advisory Non-Departmental Public Body. The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) provided the CPP with administrative and technical support services.

Requests for specific information relating to past recommendations of the CPP

Such requests, following the closure of the CPP (March 2007) should be made, in writing, to either reg31.enquiries@defra.gsi.gov.uk or to Regulation 31 Enquiries, Room M03, 55 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2EY.

We would normally expect to provide routine information over the telephone or via e-mail within 5 working days. We will respond to letters and requests for more complicated or detailed information in writing, within 10 working days of receipt. If we are unable to do so, we will let you know why and provide the information we can.

If you ask us to provide detailed information that is not readily available, we reserve the right to make a charge for this service, to cover administrative costs. However, we will write and let you know the exact cost, and time it will take to collate the data, before we start this work. If we are unable to provide the information you require, we will write and explain why.

Openness and Freedom of Information

The Committee on Products and Processes for Use in Public Water Supply (the Committee or CPP) adopted the principles of the 'Code of Practice on Access to Government Information' and built on these where possible.

The Freedom of Information Act established a right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities (which includes Non Departmental Public Bodies, such as the CPP) and imposed obligations to disclose information, subject to certain exemptions.

Unfortunately, much of the information submitted by applicants and their suppliers was commercially confidential and could not be made available.

In the interests of ensuring free and frank discussion, and in order to protect commercially sensitive information, the full minutes of the Committee meetings and reports and discussion papers prepared for those meetings were not publicly available. However, agendas and summary minutes from Committee meetings, were available.

Regulation and Information Letters

DWI communicates with water industry and approval holders through appropriate Regulation and Information letters. Regulation 25 letters were issued before the 1st of January 2004; subsequent letters formed a new series of Regulation 31 letters. Current issues relating to treatment chemicals and construction products are covered by DWI Information Letters.

Please note the following:

Copies of past Regulation 25 and 31 letters are available, on request, from Regulation 31 Enquiries

Relevant DWI Information Letters (ILs) are readily available from the main DWI website