Tony WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the future of consumer representation in the water industry. [124585]
§ Mr. MullinThere are currently 10 Customer Service Committees operating in the interests of consumers in England and Wales as part of the Office of Water Services (OFWAT). The OWFAT National Consumer Council consists of the chairmen of each regional Customer Service Committee and speaks for water consumers at the national level.
The Government have reviewed their policy on consumer representation in the regulated utilities. They published two consultation papers: "A Fair Deal for Consumers: Modernising the Framework for Utility Regulation" (March 1998); and the subsequent "Consumer Councils" (September 1998). The Government's policy was set out in the responses to these consultations published respectively in July 1998 and April 1999.
684WThe proposals on consumer representation in the water industry, including the establishment of an independent Consumer Council for Water will require legislation. The Government will be consulting on specific policies in the forthcoming draft Water Bill.