Written question asked by Tony Wright (Labour) on Thursday, 25 May 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 15 June 2000. It was answered by Chris Mullin (Labour) on Thursday, 15 June 2000 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will make a statement on the future of consumer representation in the water industry. - Includes ref to A Fair Deal for Consumers: Modernising the Framework for Utility Regulation' and 'Consumer Councils'.

Answer: Tony Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the future of consumer representation in the water industry. [124585] Mr. Mullin: There are currently 10 Customer Service Committees operating in the interests of consumers in England and Wales as part of the Office of Water Services (OFWAT). The OWFAT National Consumer Council consists of the chairmen of each regional Customer Service Committee and speaks for water consumers at the national level. The Government has reviewed its policy on consumer representation in the regulated utilities. It published two consultation papers: "A Fair Deal for Consumers: Modernising the Framework for Utility Regulation" (March 1998); and the subsequent "Consumer Councils" (September 1998). The Government's policy was set out in the responses to these consultations published respectively in July 1998 and April 1999. The proposals on consumer representation in the water industry, including the establishment of an independent Consumer Council for Water will require legislation. The Government will be consulting on specific policies in the forthcoming draft Water Bill.

Secondary information