§ Mr. Frank FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to introduce legislation to enact for England and Wales provisions in respect of the authority for water companies or others to cause a disconnection of a domestic consumer's water supply along the lines of those in force in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Maclean[holding answer 4 March 1993]: No. It is right that bills should be paid, but equally that companies should deal sympathetically with customers who are having difficulty meeting their bills. Significant safeguards exist to protect domestic customers of water companies in England and Wales who cannot pay, rather than will not pay, from the prospect of disconnection. In Scotland water supply is at present a local authority service.