§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on whether Crown immunity is to continue for the Water Service of Northern Ireland. [98335]
§ Angela SmithWater Service currently enjoys Crown Immunity from prosecution because it is an Executive Agency of a Central Government Department, the Department for Regional Development.
On 11 December 2002, the Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, my hon. Friend the Member for Dudley, South (Mr. Pearson) announced our intention to introduce self-financing arrangements for Water Service, which will require the introduction of domestic water and sewerage charges. I wish to ensure that water and sewerage services are delivered as efficiently and effectively as possible to ensure that future household charges are fair and affordable. This will require reform of the arrangements for the delivery of these services, and may require a change in the organisational status of Water Service.
No decision has been taken on this issue yet, and I intend to engage in full and inclusive consultation on any proposals for change. However, should a decision be taken to move responsibility for the delivery of water and sewerage services outside Central Government, Crown Immunity would not continue for Water Service.