Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Wednesday, 14 June 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 16 June 2006. It was answered by Ian Pearson (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 June 2006 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Water Poverty

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on developing a joint approach to overcoming water poverty.

Answer: I have had no specific discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland about this issue. However, I am aware of the approach to water affordability being taken in Northern Ireland, in particular the new affordability tariff. This is being introduced in response to particular circumstances which do not apply in England and Wales. Northern Ireland has a public sector water service while in England and Wales the industry has been fully privatised since 1989. A parallel cannot be drawn between the positions in Northern Ireland and England.

Secondary information