§ Lord Nugent of Guildford asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ Whether they now consider that there is no cause for concern about water levels in storage reservoirs and groundwater in the southern half of the country, and that no action is needed to provide against a possible dry summer.
§ The Earl of ArranMy Lords, at this late stage of the winter, there is cause for some concern about the level of water resources in parts of southern and eastern England due to the exceptionally dry months prior to February 1989. In most cases, reservoir levels are satisfactory, but groundwater levels are lower than usual in parts of Southern, Anglian and Thames Water Authority areas. Water companies in these areas report similar conditions. Appropriate action rests with the water undertakers, but arrangements have been made for them to keep my department closely informed.
§ Lord Nugent of GuildfordMy Lords, I thank my noble friend for that full Answer and for the detailed report from the regions that he sent me. That showed that rainfall during the past winter had been exceptionally low and that in the southern half of the country for the three months November, December and January it was at a record low for the whole of the century. Is my noble friend satisfied that the inquiries that he has made have alerted the water authorities and water companies to the possible danger of drought this summer if we have dry months, and that they are now taking the necessary precautions?
§ The Earl of ArranMy Lords, I am happy that the water authorities are fully apprised of and fully realise the current situation regarding some shortage of water in the southern half of the country. We have so far received applications for three drought orders. We are informed that some water undertakers are embarking upon publicity campaigns to encourage economy in water use. A few undertakers are carrying out work such as drilling of new bore holes to augment their water resources. Overall, the situation is being closely monitored.
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyMy Lords, how will the Minister resolve the potential conflict of interest which will happen under privatisation? As I understand it, under the existing system it is to the benefit of the water authorities to encourage people to conserve water, whereas under privatisation, especially with meters, they will be paid according to how much they sell.
§ The Earl of ArranMy Lords, under a condition in the model instrument of appointment, the Director General of Water Services will receive information on the levels of service provided by the water supply companies. That information will show whether it is necessary to augment sources. The provisions of the Water Bill, currently before Parliament, will enable the director general to protect the interests of consumers by ensuring that adequate water resources are provided.
§ Lady Saltoun of AbernethyMy Lords, in view of the fact that there has been scarcely any snow in Scotland, will the Minister say what steps, if any, are being taken by Scottish water authorities?
§ The Earl of ArranMy Lords, I understand that Scotland does not present a serious problem at the moment.
§ Lord Stoddart of SwindonMy Lords, is there any truth in the reports that a water grid is to be constructed between the French and British mainlands to assist the French water companies to sell more French water?
§ The Earl of ArranMy Lords, certainly not to the best of my knowledge.