§ Mr. OatenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what targets he has set for water preservation via the installation of water meters. [143958]
§ Mr. MullinNo specific targets have been set for the gains in water efficiency to be achieved by metering. Metering has a role to play alongside other measures in promoting the sustainable management of water resources. The Government have a "twin track" approach, in which future requirements for water are to be met by demand management as well as resource development. Water companies have also been placed under a duty to promote the efficient use of water by their customers.
§ Mr. OatenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many water meters have been installed in each of the last five years in(a) new and (b) old properties. [143959]
§ Mr. MullinThe Office of Water Services collects and publishes information on water customers taking metered supplies in England and Wales in its annual report "Tariff structure and charges", copies of which are in the Library. The numbers of household properties where water meters were installed in England and Wales in each of the past five years was as follows:
Household water meters installed, England and Wales New properties Existing properties Total households 1995–96 155,435 107,293 262,728 1996–97 159,718 278,183 437,901 1997–98 171,722 559,156 730,878 1998–99 171,247 486,043 657,290 1999–2000 177,597 352,997 530,594
§ Mr. OatenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance he has given to water companies on advertising the option to fit water meters at no charge. [143957]
§ Mr. MullinMy Department has published a free information leaflet, "Water Metering: Your new rights", setting out household water customers' new rights under the Water Industry Act 1999, including the new right to free meter installation. Copies were supplied to all water companies and have been distributed widely through such routes as Citizens Advice Bureaux, libraries, benefits offices and local authorities.