§ Mr. BoyesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends to approve the 10 national water metering trial schemes; and if he will publish details of them.
§ Mr. MoynihanIt is for each water undertaker to decide whether and when to submit a meter trial scheme to the Secretary of State. So far, my right hon. Friend has received formal proposals for six schemes. The first of these, covering a small-scale trial in Chandlers Ford in Hampshire has been approved. The other schemes are under detailed consideration. As with all charges schemes made under section 31 of the Water Act 1973, water undertakers are required to publish metering trial schemes in such a manner as in their opinion will secure adequate publicity for them.