§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what discussions she has had with the water companies concerning the metering of places of worship; [12095]
(2) what discussions he has had with religious leaders regarding the water metering of places of worship; [12096]
(3) what steps he is taking to exempt churches, mosques and temples from the compulsory installation of water meters. [12097]
§ Angela EagleThis Government have not taken part in any discussions on the basis of charging places of worship for water and sewerage services. This issue will fall within the scope of the Government review of the system of charging for water announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment in a written answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Burnley (Mr. Pike) on 25 June 1997,Official Report, column 514. My Department has written to interested bodies inviting comments and in reply has received representations from religious bodies on the issues raised in the review, including the basis of charging for religious and community premises. The Government will consider all the representations before making proposals on charging. There will then be a period of formal consultation. The Government have made clear their opposition to compulsory metering for essential domestic use.