HC Deb 14 February 1996 vol 271 cc1006-7
16. Mr. Ronnie Campbell

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the ability of the consumer organisations covering the privatised utilities to monitor the level of service given by the privatised water companies. [13519]

Mr. John M. Taylor

In general, we are content with the existing consumer representation arrangements for the privatised utilities. As far as the water industry is concerned, the performance of the Office of Water Services customer service committees in monitoring levels of service is a matter for the Director General of Water Services.

Mr. Campbell

The number of complaints has risen by 180 per cent. and £1 million has been cut from the national customer council. Why was Diana Scott sacked from the customer service committee in Yorkshire? Was it because she was outspoken?

Mr. Taylor

The fact is that privatisation has provided customers with independent customer service committees. Since privatisation, the national customer council has been in place to put the customer's view. It is put, it should be put and it is safeguarded.

Mr. Harry Greenway

Is my hon. Friend aware that my constituents have had privatised water for 15 or more years, originally through the Rickmansworth water company and now through Three Valleys Water, and that that privatised service has been highly successful? Is that not an example to other areas?

Mr. Taylor

I am grateful to my hon. Friend. There is a considerable variety of experience and delivery, but the best is always a good example to the rest. It is exactly that sort of good practice that we wish to spread.