HC Deb 10 June 1997 vol 295 c407W
Dr. Tony Wright

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will take steps to ensure that water companies take responsibility for leaks from domestic supply pipes. [2534]

Ms Angela Eagle

It is our view that leakage rates are still far too high. At the Water Summit on 19 May, my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister announced that the Director General of Water Services would set tough mandatory targets for total leakage, including leakage from consumers pipes. Many water companies already provide a free leakage detection and repair service for supply pipes owned by household customers. My right hon. Friend asked all companies to consider providing this service.