§ Mr. Chris DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to ensure that the water companies comply with the recommendations of the National Rivers Authority regarding water conservation in the event of below average winter rainfall. [7672]
§ Mr. ClappisonIt is the responsibility of all water undertakers to manage and maintain an efficient and economical system of water supply in accordance with operating licences granted by the Director General of Water Services. The National Rivers Authority report "Measures to Safeguard Public Water Supplies" concluded that all water companies are now following strategies to conserve resources to safeguard supplies for next summer. The authority will keep the position under review and will provide further advice as necessary.
§ Mr. DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to promote water conservation; and if he will make a statement. [7930]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe Water Industry Act 1991 places water undertakers under a duty to develop and maintain an efficient and economical system of water supply and additionally places them under a duty to promote water conservation among their customers. Water conservation is also promoted through the water byelaws and through212W the Government's environmental technology best practice programme. The review of lessons to be learnt from the drought, announced on 1 September, includes consideration of patterns of demand and approaches to demand management.