§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Wales whether the privatisation of the Welsh water authority will affect charges made for bulk supplies to other water undertakings.
§ Mr. Mark RobinsonThe Water Services plc's will be free to negotiate for bulk supplies at a commercial rate. While having regard to the general principle that charges should be cost related and should not be discrimatory, undertakers who are unable to agree terms will have the right to appeal to the Director General of Water Services; and in determining such appeals the Director General will take account of all relevant factors. The Government would expect the Director General to allow Welsh Water, like any other exporting water company, to earn a reasonable profit from the sale of bulk supplies. Equally, the Director General would be expected to ensure that monopoly situations will not be abused.