To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is on exempting landscape gardeners from a hosepipe ban; and if she will make a statement.

The Government continue to work closely with all sectors to understand and mitigate the impacts of the continuing drought. Temporary water use bans are applied by water companies. However, restrictions have been kept under regular review and an exemption was made for landscaping, turf and gardening businesses on 21 May following the recent heavy rainfall. The exemption applies to the first 28 days from the day of planting, sowing or turf-laying.