Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 27 November 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 10 December 2002. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 December 2002 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to what extent she intends the proposed Water Bill to include a duty on abstractors to use water efficiently, as required by the EC Water Framework Directive. (Holding answer 3 December 2002).

Answer: Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to what extent she intends the proposed Water Bill to include a duty on abstractors to use water efficiently, as required by the EC Water Framework Directive. [84739] Mr. Morley :[holding answer 3 December 2002]: Article 11(3)(c) of the EC Water Framework requires a programme of measures to promote efficient and sustainable use of water. It does not require a duty on abstractors to use water efficiently. The Water Bill will not place such a duty on abstractors because the Government believe the Environment Agency already has sufficient powers to ensure abstractors use water efficiently. However, the Water Bill will place a duty on water companies to conserve water in the carrying out of their functions, as one of the measures to meet the requirements of that Article.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 84739; 396 c200W
Session: 2002-03
EC documents: Dir2000/60/EC
Subjects: Conservation Standards Water Water supply Water companies Water abstraction
Legislation: Draft Water Bill (2000)
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk