§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has anything to add to his reply to the hon. Member for Newham. South concerning any liabilities of any regional water company,Official Report, 15 March, column 4.
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§ Mr. MacleanCustomers of the regulated water and sewerage businesses of water companies are fully protected by the provisions of their licences, against liabilities incurred as a result of water plcs' other activities. This protection has recently been strengthened by the Competition and Service (Utilities) Act 1992, which requires the Director General of Water Services to ensure that the interests of customers are protected as respects any activities of the company which are not attributable to the exercise of its functions as a water and sewerage undertaker and, in particular, that transactions are carried out at arms length. The Director General has recently amended the licences of water and sewerage undertakers to enable him to fulfil this duty.