Still no answers for MP over Thames Water contingency plan

Water minister Robbie Moore refused calls to disclose details about Operation Timber, the contingency plan to manage the prospect of Thames Water failing, when pressed in Parliament last week.

Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Olney submitted three written questions, seeking information on meetings between Defra and Thames Water to discuss Operation Timber.

Moore replied: “The permanent secretary and senior officials in my department hold meetings with water companies, including Thames Water, on a regular basis to discuss issues affecting the water sector. As water companies are commercial entities, it is neither appropriate to comment on specific water companies, on the frequency of any such meetings nor publish any minutes of those meetings.”

Olney was rebuffed the previous week when she asked for Operation Timber details during an adjournment debate.