Written question asked by Joan Walley (Labour) on Monday, 4 February 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 13 February 2002. It was answered by Michael Meacher (Labour) on Wednesday, 13 February 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, what action her Department is taking to ensure that OFWAT improves its serviceability criteria.

Answer: Ms Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action her Department is taking to ensure that Ofwat improves its serviceability criteria. [34070] Mr. Meacher: The Government continue to work with the Office of Water Services (Ofwat) the quality regulators and the water industry to take forward discussions on serviceability and asset maintenance. Ofwat develops measures of companies' serviceability to customers. Ofwat is reviewing its measures of the serviceability of water and sewerage company assets. A consultation paper on improved serviceability indicators was issued in November 2001. The consultation period ended on 8 February 2002. Ofwat will also consult on its approach to capital maintenance in the spring. In its consultation paper on the approach to the periodic review of price limits for 2005-10, to be published in October 2002, Ofwat will also set out how it proposes to take account of serviceability and capital maintenance.

Secondary information