§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) when he expects to reply to the letter dated 4 November 1994 entitled "Charges for household water customers in Wales" from the managing director of Welsh Water plc;
(2) what consultations he has had with the Director General of Water Services concerning the contents of the letter from the managing director of Welsh Water dated 4 November 1994 and entitled "Charges for household 83W water customers in Wales"; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RedwoodI have not consulted the director general on the issues raised by Dwr Cymru. The company's views have however been taken into account by the Government during their considerations, the outcome of which will be announced in due course. At that time, Dwr Cymru will be advised of the Government's conclusions.
§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with water consumers, consumer organisations and the Welsh Consumer Council concerning the order of preferences of(a) council tax bands, (b) standard annual licence and (c) universal compulsory metering as the main basis for charging for domestic water and sewerage services after 2000; if he will issue the details of a formal programme of consultation on this issue; and what representations he has had in relation to the use of compulsory water metering in (i) new properties and (ii) old properties with renewed water mains.
§ Mr. RedwoodI have not undertaken any such formal consultations. However, I have from time to time received representations on water charges and the use of compulsory metering from various organisations and individuals.