Written question asked by Helen Jackson (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 17 March 1997. It was answered by James Clappison (Conservative) on Monday, 17 March 1997 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: What percentage of the cost of the free installation of water meters was paid for by (a) increased domestic customer charges and (b) shareholders in 1996.

Answer: Mrs. Helen Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of the cost of the free installation of water meters was paid for by (a) increased domestic customer charges and (b) shareholders in 1996. [20091] Mr. Clappison: This is a matter for the Director General of Water Services who informs me that in setting price limits at the 1994 periodic review he allowed for the costs of metering to be met by metered customers, other than the costs of excavation for meter boxes. This did not have a significant effect on price limits. Price limits have not been increased to allow for the subsequent introduction by some companies of a free meter space and these costs are therefore met by the shareholders, at least until new price limits are set.

Secondary information