HC Deb 27 June 1995 vol 262 cc595-6W
Mrs. Helen Jackson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will publish the responses to his consultation paper "Using Water Wisely". [30457]

Mr. Atkins

The Government's response to "Using Water Wisely" will be published within the next week or so.

Mrs. Jackson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider extending additional safeguards to protect low-income households, large families and people with disabilities requiring high use of water, who live in properties which are compulsorily metered. [30460]

Mr. Atkins

Such customers are safeguarded by a code a practice for customer and a code of practice and procedure on disconnections which are part of every water company's instrument of appointment.

Mrs. Jackson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider setting up a special body in conjunction with the industry and other interested parties to promote the installation of water-saving devices in domestic homes. [30459]

Mr. Atkins

The Government have tabled an amendment to the Environment Bill that places a duty on water companies to promote the efficient use of water by its customers, and provides the Director General of Water Services with powers to determine and publish standards of performance.

Mrs. Jackson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has had from the industry or other interested parties with regard to the installation of water-saving devices in domestic homes. [30458]

Mr. Atkins

My right hon. Friend has received no such representations. My officials have from time to time received suggestions about the installation of water-saving devices in the home.

Mrs. Jackson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the organisations that have submitted responses to his consultation paper "Using Water Wisely". [30456]

Mr. Atkins

I have today deposited a list of the organisations that submitted responses to the consultation paper "Using Water Wisely" in the House Library.

Mrs. Jackson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy that people in new homes may choose whether to pay for their water and sewerage by metered charge. [30504]

Mr. Atkins

It is for water companies to decide the most appropriate method of charging in their areas.