That this House, believing that a regulatory body should be independent from those it regulates, congratulates the Yorkshire Post on revealing the network of appointments to the chairmanships of the regional consumer water services committees by Ian Byatt, Director-General of OFWAT; recognises that they show that nepotism, a close relationship to water companies and a willingness to accept his directives are far more important to him than the needs of consumers; knows that this is entirely consistent with his sacking of Diana Scott from the Yorkshire Committee because she represented consumers as she saw fit; and calls on him to resign forthwith and the Secretary of State for the Environment to ask for his resignation if it is not proffered.

That this House, believing that a regulatory body should be independent from those it regulates, congratulates the Yorkshire Post on revealing the network of appointments to the chairmanships of the regional consumer water services committees by Ian Byatt, Director-General of OFWAT; recognises that they show that nepotism, a close relationship...

That this House deplores the rise in water charges by three times the rate of inflation; notes that since water privatisation consumer charges have risen by up to 90 per cent.; understands that 48 water chiefs have received ??14 million in share options; believes that the regulator has failed to put consumer interests first, and has failed to reappoint Diana Scott, the Chairman of Yorkshire Customer Services Committee, who, unlike the regulator, has successfully put forward the views of consumers, even when they conflict with water company or Government policy; and calls on the Secretary of State to remove Ian Byatt from his position as Regulator of OFWAT, and establish an independent inquiry into the rise in water prices, profits, board room perks and the failure of water companies to give a fair deal to customers.

That this House deplores the rise in water charges by three times the rate of inflation; notes that since water privatisation consumer charges have risen by up to 90 per cent.; understands that 48 water chiefs have received ??14 million in share options; believes that the regulator has failed to...