§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to publish his third review of water company pricing; and if he will make a statement on the principles on which he will issue guidance to Ofwat on achieving sustainability in water management. [45783]
§ Angela EagleThe Periodic Review of water company prices is a matter for the Director General of Water Services. He has stated that he will issue his draft determinations of price limits in July 1999 and, following representations on these from companies, issue his final determinations in November 1999.
My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister stated at the Water Summit in May 1997 that he expected the water industry to be world class, water-efficient and environmentally sustainable. Those principles will be embodied in guidance which he and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales will give to the Director General.