§ Mr. O'Brienasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what provision is contained in the guidelines issued by him under section 7 of the Water Act 1983 as to what further recourse is available in cases where representations made to water authorities by consumer consultative committees on behalf of complainants are not resolved to the satisfaction of both parties; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenThe guidelines advised that where a complaint of maladministration causing injustice had not been satisfactorily resolved, a complainant should be reminded of the ultimate right to complain to the local ombudsman.
The guidelines do not affect a complainant's statutory rights of appeal or his right to seek redress through the Courts in appropriate cases.