HC Deb 02 June 1992 vol 208 cc383-4W
Mr. Barry Field

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to accelerate the findings of the water meter trial areas.

Mr. Maclean

Two reports have so far been published and a final report will be produced in about 12 months' time, when all the trials have been completed. As I am keen that the substantial body of data collected about water metering should be fully analysed and made available promptly not only to the water industry but also to the regulatory bodies, I have proposed to the water industry that the Director General of Water Services should take the lead from the Government side in analysing the results of the trials and the implications for charging methods. In consultation with DOE and NRA, he will also co-ordinate, and where necessary commission, any further studies that are needed.

Mr. Barry Field

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to speed up the introduction of water meters.

Mr. Maclean

The Director General of Water Services has warned water companies that they must make metering a more attractive option for individual customers. He has also asked them to draw up strategies for the general introduction of water metering where the overall benefit to customers outweighs the costs of installation.

We shall be issuing a consultation paper before the summer recess which will consider a range of possible water conservation measures, including the potential role of metering.

Mr. Barry Field

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has reached any conclusions on the ability of water metering to avoid the issuing of drought orders.

Mr. Maclean

Information from the national water metering trial areas indicates a substantial reduction in the volume of water supplied particularly during periods of peak demand. However, any programme for the introduction of meters to existing properties will require careful planning and will take some years to complete. In the meantime, drought orders may be required in areas where there is a shortage of rainfall.