HC Deb 07 June 1989 vol 154 cc171-2W
Mr. Hannam

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what provision he is proposing to include in the Water Bill to protect disabled people on dialysis machines from disconnection.

Mr. Howard

Water undertakers already take special precautions to ensure continuity of supplies to customers who use dialysis machines. Further safeguards against disconnection of domestic customers will be included in the conditions of appointment of the new water undertakers. Disconnection will not normally be allowed without prior application to the county court for debt recovery, nor where the local social security or social services office has requested a delay to examine the customer's circumstances. No Bill amendment is needed.

Mr. Trippier

Part I of the Housing Act 1988 should improve the supply of rented accommodation and therefore reduce homelessness. Research into its effects will be carried out in due course, as part of the Department's research programme.