§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy that the costs of leakages in the water system and of cleaning water from pollution not created by consumers should be clearly identified, and an equitable system devised for the costs that these factors create; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe Government believe that wherever possible, those responsible for pollution should bear the costs of any necessary treatment. Each water company must exercise effective control over losses from the distribution system. Their success in controlling such losses is reflected in the scope for further efficiency savings in their operations, which has a direct bearing on the price limits determined by the director general and hence the charges faced by consumers.
§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will establish an independent review of water and sewerage charges with the remit of establishing a system which does not encourage limitations in water use that create public and individual health risks and taking into account the contribution that customers, the water companies and their shareholders and also those polluting water supplies should make to the costs of investment in water and sewerage services.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe Government have every confidence in the effectiveness of the existing regulatory system and the ability of the Director General of Water Services, who is carrying out his responsibilities as an independent regulator, and who has a duty to protect the interests of customers and to ensure that charges for water and sewerage are fair and equitable.