§ Mr. Murphyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the Government's policy on water meters; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KingI recognise the widespread feeling that the present system of charging for water services to domestic premises by reference to their rateable value produces 275W unfair results. It was for that reason that I asked the National Water Council to continue to develop its ideas on domestic charging. In October, the council published a consultation document, "Charging Households for Water", and I hope to receive its advice in about two months' time. The Monopolies and Mergers Commission is also considering this general issue as part of its investigation into Severn-Trent water authority, and its report is expected to be received next April. It would be inappropriate for the Government to decide their policy towards metering generally before they have considered the advice of the council and the report of the commission.
In the meantime I welcome the initiative which some water authorities and water companies have already made to give householders the option of being charged for water supplies through a meter. Most industrial and commercial consumers can also choose to receive metered water supplies.