§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to review the statutory rights of utilities; and if she will make a statement. [12362]
§ Mr. Meacher[holding answer 5 November 2001]: This Department has responsibility only for the water companies. The Government published the draft Water Bill in November 2000, which includes proposals for certain changes to the statutory rights and responsibilities of water companies. These include duties to conserve water and to maintain up-to-date drought plans.
The draft Water Bill would also require companies to disclose any links between their directors' pay and performance standards to ensure greater accountability by the companies.
Changes to the statutory rights and responsibilities of water companies are also possible as part of the Government's on-going consideration of competition in the water industry.