Written question asked by Eddie McGrady (Social Democratic & Labour Party) on Tuesday, 21 November 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 23 November 2006. It was answered by David Cairns (Labour) on Tuesday, 28 November 2006 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Water Supplies

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what role has been given to the Northern Ireland General Consumer Council in developing the Strategic Business Plan and Water Reform.

Answer: The Department has sought the views of the General Consumer Council on an early draft of the Strategic Business Plan consistent with the council’s statutory role as defined in the General Consumer Council (Northern Ireland) Order 1984.The Government welcome the strong support that the General Consumer Council has given to the principle of paying for water and sewerage services. The Department has worked closely with the Consumer Council in the development of water reform policy consistent with the council’s current statutory role as defined in article 4 of the General Consumer Council (Northern Ireland) Order 1984 and also with the future role it will have as set out in articles 45 to 59 of the Draft Water and Sewerage Services (NI) Order 2006.

Secondary information