Water Shortages

Answer: That is not necessarily the case, but we should not get away from the fact that we are facing a two-year drought—and the worst drought since 1976. Indeed, in some parts of the south-east it is the worst drought for 100 years. In that respect, it is not a lot to ask that people should face some restrictions on hosepipe bans in gardens. They can still use watering cans and recycled water. Future demand for water is being taken into account, both in the current five-year price round and 25-year forward plans.

This is an answer to the Oral question asked on Thursday, 20 April 2006 by David Evennett (Conservative).

Question: Is the Minister aware of the anger of many pensioners in my constituency about the hosepipe ban? They feel that, together with the disabled, they are the most discriminated against, as they cannot walk with watering cans to save their plants. They are therefore looking to the Minister to engage in more action and discussion with the water companies to reduce hosepipe bans in future years, and are concerned about further housing developments in the south-east, which will use more water and possibly result in more shortages in future.

Secondary information