§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will introduce legislation to ensure that after privatisation the water companies are not permitted to supply water to new customers unless and until(a) adequate provision has been made to supply them without detriment to existing customers, (b) they have consulted all parties whose interests are likely to be adversely affected by any development connected therewith and (c) adequate compensation is paid not only for disturbance to land and amenity but also for the inconvenience caused to such parties.
§ Mr. HowardThe Water Bill already provides full safeguards for the interests of existing customers and anyone adversely affected by new provision. In particular, undertakers' performance against service indicators and targets will be monitored by the Director General of Water Services. The exercise by undertakers of compulsory powers will be subject to the same constraints as now and in addition the Bill provides for a mandatory code of practice for pipelaying with power for the director general to require an undertaker to compensate an owner or occupier for inconvenience caused by the undertaker acting unreasonably.
§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make it his policy to require the water supply companies currently and after privatisation not to withhold their consent unreasonably for the planting of trees and the erection of new buildings within 2.5 metres of a new water main running across private land and to include such a provision in all future wayleaves requiring the landowner to get their written consent in such cases.
§ Mr. HowardThe powers available to the privatised water companies to lay pipes across private land will be subject to a mandatory code of practice to be submitted by the companies to the Secretary of State for approval. The model code of practice prepared by the Department in consultation with interested parties requires a company to consult the owner or occupier about the route of new pipes. The width of the strip of land above the pipe on which activities are to be restricted will be such as is necessary to protect the pipe and to allow the company access for maintenance. It is the responsibility of the owner or occupier to ensure that his activities do not damage the pipe. Compensation is payable where the value of the land is depreciated as a result of pipelaying.