Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Eddie McGrady (Social Democratic & Labour Party). It was answered on Tuesday, 12 December 2006 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Grand Committee.

Northern Ireland Water Ltd

Question: The Minister is aware that the consultation in respect of licensing of the water company closes on 9 February. As the water company comes into operation on 1 April, can she conceive that such a short time space of seven weeks will enable the consultation to be properly and adequately assessed and the terms of reference of the licence amended or suggested accordingly, or will the water company go into free fall without licence control on 1 April?

Answer: I have every confidence that the civil servants who are working speedily to deal with this issue can do the work necessary in the time that has been set aside. We have been consulting in respect of this matter since 2003, so there is a lot of background knowledge, experience and work that has already been done. I have every confidence that this can be dealt with properly.

Secondary information