Written question asked by Clive Efford (Labour) on Thursday, 25 May 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 6 June 2000. It was answered by Chris Mullin (Labour) on Tuesday, 6 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, what is the current estimated cost of installing water meters in all domestic properties. - Inc figures and fact that no estimate has been made.

Answer: Mr. Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the current estimated cost of installing water meters in all domestic properties. [124647] Mr. Mullin: There are no plans to meter all domestic properties, so no estimate has been made of the cost of doing so. Under the Water Industry Act 1999, companies in England and Wales must install a meter in any home when requested by the consumer, free of initial charge. The number of meters installed will depend on consumer choices. In his determination of water company price limits, the Director General of Water Services has allowed for £202 million capital and £53 million operating expenditure for the costs of installing optional meters in 2000-05.

Secondary information