Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the percentage increase in the cost of water measured by meter in each of the past five years.
§ Mr. Tim SmithThe information is as follows:
Year Percentage 1990–91 12.3 1991–92 14.6 1992–93 5.3 1993–94 8.1 1994–95 4.7
Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people are connected to the public water supply; and how many of these have their water consumption measured by water meter.
§ Mr. Tim SmithIt is estimated that approximately 98.5 per cent. of the Northern Ireland population of 1.6 million receives public water supplies. Only commercial, industrial and agricultural premises have their water consumption measured by meters. There are presently 77,912 supplies in these categories.