Written question asked by Lord Bruce of Bennachie (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 10 May 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 21 May 2002. It was answered by Michael Meacher (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 May 2002 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what changes she proposes to the regulation of the water industry; if her preparatory work included consideration of their effect on sustainable development; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what changes she proposes to the regulation of the water industry; if her preparatory work included consideration of their effect on sustainable development; and if she will make a statement. [56549] Mr. Meacher: The main changes proposed to the regulation of the water industry are contained in the draft Water Bill, which has sustainability as a central theme. The Government response to the consultation was published on 2 May and the Bill will be introduced as soon as Parliamentary time allows. The Water Bill contains changes to the water abstraction authorisation system to ensure that water is used sustainably. It also aims to put consumers at the heart of regulation of the water industry, through mechanisms such as the creation of an independent Consumer Council for Water and requiring companies to make clear any links between directors' pay and company performance. The Bill also includes proposals to give the Director General of Water Services a specific sustainable development duty. Any future regulatory measures that are needed to ensure compliance with obligations in new European Community water quality legislation will be fully consultated on with the water industry and other stakeholders.

Secondary information