§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to introduce direct water charges in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [89442]
§ Angela SmithThe Secretary of State has asked me to respond to your question, as I have responsibility for water and sewerage services.
In his budget announcement on 11 December 2002, my colleague Ian Pearson MP stated our intention that Water Service become a self-financing organisation. In principle, this will involve the introduction of domestic water and sewerage charges for Northern Ireland households. Water Service's non-domestic customers already pay water charges.
I am committed to full and inclusive consultation on our proposals for the reform of water and sewerage services in Northern Ireland.