Entry ID,Date start (dd),Date start (mm),Date start (yyyy),Season start,Date end (dd),Date end (mm),Date end (yyyy),Season end,Text,Reference,Country,NUTS1,NUTS2,NUTS3,Location,DPSIR,Media type,Sector,URL,Water Company,Additional information
1,5,4,1976,Spring,5,4,1976,Spring,"Water restrictions: [Mr. McNamara asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many area water authorities in England are at present restricting the use of water; and what reports he has received from the area water authorities of the probable shortfall in water supplies and by how much and in which areas in the next six months. Mr. Denis Howell I understand that five water authorities are currently restricting. Mr. Armstrong The information for local authority housing in England and Wales is as follows: the use of water in all or parts of their area. All water authorities expect to experience shortages during the next six months in varying degrees, but the severity will depend on the rainfall during that period and the effectiveness of measures now being taken to augment supplies. I cannot at this stage make any more detailed predictions, but my Department and the National Water Council are monitoring the situation closely.]",HC Deb 05 April 1976 vol 909 cc37-8W,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Regulation,"Water Supply, Water Industry ",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/apr/05/water-supplies,,
2,29,4,1976,Spring,29,4,1976,Spring,"Contingency arrangements already planned by the industry to deal with water shortage. Assessment by a group of senior officials from the Department of Environment.  [Mr. Adley asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with interested bodies concerning the drought and near-drought situation in parts of the United Kingdom; and what contingency plans Her Majesty's Government are making to cope with a continuing water shortage due to low rainfall. Mr. George Rodgers asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied that adequate provision is being made to conserve water supplies in view of the long period of dry weather during recent months. Mr. Shore My right hon. Friend has set up a joint group of senior officials from my Department and representatives of the water industry to consider urgently the water supply situation and to assess with the industry what measures may need to be taken. This is in addition to the contingency arrangements already being planned by the industry. This group will hold its first meeting tomorrow, and I intend to hold discussions with the Chairman of the National Water Council and the Regional Water Authorities on 12th May.]",HC Deb 29 April 1976 vol 910 cc177-8W,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Regulation,"Water Supply, Water Industry ",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/apr/29/water-shortage,,
3,3,5,1976,Spring,3,5,1976,Spring,"The water authorities are to provide guidance to the population for reducing water consumption. [The Minister for Planning and Local Government (Mr. John Silkin): As regards the particular situation in Northamptonshire, where storage reservoirs are about one-third full and the River Nene is very low, steps have been taken to transfer in extra quantities of water from Grafham Water, and a Drought Order has been made to allow maximum advantage to be taken of any storm flows in the Nene that may occur. The water authority tells me that these measures are proving effective. The crucial thing is that people should use water sensibly and prudently. The water authorities are in the best position to judge what economies are needed in their individual areas, and people should follow the guidance they give.]",HC Deb 03 May 1976 vol 910 cc837-41,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Regulation,"Water Supply, Water Industry ",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1976/may/03/water-supply,,
4,3,5,1976,Spring,3,5,1976,Spring,"Assessing the situation of water supply at national level and taking the appropriate measures [Mr. Spearing: Will my right hon. Friend tell the House what progress has been made by the Central Water Planning Unit as regards the Water Resources Board's posthumous report of 1973? Has it now developed that report as the board would have done had it not been abolished by the Conservative Government? Does my right hon. Friend agree that the proposals in the Green Paper to which he has referred show the wisdom of the Government's present suggestions? Mr. Silkin: (…) I believe that a proper national view of the whole situation is the right way of proceeding. For example, we must use all the existing links—and there are a number of links that can be used—to bring water from one area to another. We must consider what extension there might be in future.]",HC Deb 03 May 1976 vol 910 cc837-41,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Regulation,"Water Supply, Water Industry ",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1976/may/03/water-supply,,Regulator: Central Water Planning Unit; the Water Resources Board.
5,6,5,1976,Spring,6,5,1976,Spring,"Drought reports in the water supply situation. [Mr. Stainton asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will call in for his personal attention the drought reports and plans of water authorities to the National Water Council, and the plans of the latter, to ensure that there is no impediment to any sound proposal to cope with the emergency now threatening industry and agriculture, especially in eastern England. Mr. John Silkin. Ministers will be receiving regular reports on the water supply situation and the plans of the water industry from the group of officials and representatives of the water industry which I have set up. This group will advise me if any difficulties arise which require Government action.]",HC Deb 06 May 1976 vol 910 cc426-7W,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Regulation,"Water Supply, Water Industry ",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/may/06/water-supply,,Regulator: National Water Council
6,12,5,1976,Spring,12,5,1976,Spring,"In the recently published consultation paper ""Review of the water industry in England and Wales"" the Government have proposed that one of the tasks of the new National Water Authority should be the preparation of a long-term national strategy, and the new authority will certainly base much of its work on the long-term recommendations in the report.",HC Deb 12 May 1976 vol 911 cc170-1W,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,"Water Supply, Water Industry ",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/may/12/water-resources-board-report,,"Proposed regulator: National Water Authority with powers in long-term national strategy. Mentions the Consultation Paper ""Review of the water industry in England and Wales""; Potential Impact"
7,26,5,1976,Spring,26,5,1976,Spring,"This opinion states that the water companies have, in fact, dealt in an effective way with the drought and that, accordingly, there should be no change (or impact) at the level of regulation or regulator’s reorganisation. [Lord PEDDIE: There have been no complaints from the water authorities of the efficiency of the water companies. There has been a close working relationship built up and during this present drought, if you examine the record of the water companies you will find little or no justification for criticism of their actions. At the same time to take over the water companies would increase the burden of public expenditure not only in compensation but in relation to the continuing need for capital.]",HL Deb 26 May 1976 vol 371 cc268-342,"England,Wales",,,,,I,"Regulation, Policy",Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1976/may/26/the-water-industry-in-england-and-wales,,
8,26,5,1976,Spring,26,5,1976,Spring,"Anticipated establishment of the new regulator, i.e. National Water Authority [The PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE, DEPARTMENT of the ENVIRONMENT (Baroness Birk): A drought, as the noble Lord, Lord Sandford, stated, even if it occurs rarely, re-emphasises the need for a strategic approach to the conservation, development and redeployment of resources. This will be one of the key tasks of the National Water Authority.]",HL Deb 26 May 1976 vol 371 cc268-342,"England,Wales",,,,,I,"Regulation, Policy","Economy, Industry, Agriculture",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1976/may/26/the-water-industry-in-england-and-wales,,Proposed regulator: National Water Authority
9,26,5,1976,Spring,26,5,1976,Spring,"Insufficient water restrictions imposed in the past two years [Baroness White: Apart from the problem of water charges, (…) the main justification for change lies of course in the deficiencies of the Water Act 1973. The central point (...) is that we need a National Water Authority as proposed in the Green Paper for strategic planning and that such an authority must have powers of initiative and the ultimate sanctions (…).]",HL Deb 26 May 1976 vol 371 cc268-342,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Regulation,"Economy, Industry, Agriculture",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1976/may/26/the-water-industry-in-england-and-wales,,Proposed regulator: National Water Authority for strategic planning and powers of initiative and sanctioning.
10,26,5,1976,Spring,26,5,1976,Spring,"The water management set-up under the Water Act 1973 is seen as inadequate [The first major change is to establish the new National Water Authority, a body with teeth. I find it amazing that the Tories could have established a structure for the water industry which made it impossible to produce any real strategy for the industry. It is for this reason that there is the need for the upheaval, as the noble Lord, Lord Sandford, described it. One of the features of the Water Act 1973 was that it failed to provide the strong, cohesive centre essential for the organisation and control. Instead, responsibilities were divided between the National Water Council, the Water Research Centre, the Central Water Planning Unit and three Government Departments. It is hardly surprising, therefore, that the machinery to manage and finance these national resources is hopelessly inadequate. All this was in fact foreseeable—and foreseen by this Government when in Opposition—when the 1973 Act (led in this House by my noble friend Lady White) was unfortunately passed. The passage of time has made the gravity of the situation more apparent. To remedy this will be the function of the new National Water Authority.]",HL Deb 26 May 1976 vol 371 cc268-342,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Regulation,"Economy, Industry, Agriculture",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1976/may/26/the-water-industry-in-england-and-wales,,Proposed regulator: National Water Authority for strategic planning and powers of initiative and sanctioning.
11,26,5,1976,Spring,26,5,1976,Spring,"Proposal for giving guidance to the industry and domestic consumers about saving water[Mr. Morris: As the right hon. Gentleman has been meeting the chairmen and other senior representatives weekly for several weeks, has he any news for the nation about the situation in the drought areas? Is he proposing that the coordinating body should give any guidance to industry and domestic consumers about saving water?]",HC Deb 26 May 1976 vol 912 cc421-2,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Regulation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1976/may/26/national-water-council,,
12,26,5,1976,Spring,26,5,1976,Spring,"Weekly reports from various water authorities for monitoring the situation closely. [Mr. Shore: I know that the hon. Gentleman has a special interest in this matter. We are maintaining a close contact at official levels and receiving weekly reports from various water authorities. We are monitoring the situation closely. On the present state of play I think that I am still right to confirm that there is not a national problem. However, there is a problem in certain water authority areas, but even there it is localised. We are looking to the future and anticipating both a normal and a dry summer.]",HC Deb 26 May 1976 vol 912 cc421-2,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Legislation,Regulator,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1976/may/26/national-water-council,,
13,26,5,1976,Spring,26,5,1976,Spring,"Proposal for experiments for providing cisterns that help save water. [Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg: (...) although there may be local problems, there will be a growing shortage of water in future years? Will he look with urgency at experiments for providing cisterns that do not need major flushes on each occasion that they are used and thus save water? Such experiments have been conducted in other countries.]",HC Deb 26 May 1976 vol 912 cc421-2,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1976/may/26/national-water-council,,
14,26,5,1976,Spring,26,5,1976,Spring,"A consultative document about industrial and domestic water consumption in the long run. [Mr. Shore: I am glad to take whatever technical advice is offered on these matters, but I hesitate to offer any myself. On the larger question of the increased use of water by industry and domestic consumers in the longer term, the Water Council was set up to keep the matter under review and the larger water authorities were established with that in mind. We are not yet satisfied with the arrangements and we have issued a consultative document to elicit further views on this important matter.]",HC Deb 26 May 1976 vol 912 cc421-2,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Report,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1976/may/26/national-water-council,,Regulator: Water Council
15,8,6,1976,Summer,8,6,1976,Summer,"Water pricing [Mr. Denis Howell: I have advised water authorities to pay close attention, when contemplating the extension of direct billing, to the need to avoid an increase in the combined expenditures of water authority and rating authorities. But it is necessary to balance the immediate costs of direct billing against such factors as improved cash flow for the water authority and savings in commission charges and the net cost will depend upon local circumstances. All water authorities already bill some consumers direct for some of their services and most are planning or contemplating further direct billing.]",HC Deb 08 June 1976 vol 912 cc633-4W,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Regulation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/jun/08/water-charges-accounting-procedure,,Water pricing:  the cost of direct customer billing for water supplies
16,23,6,1976,Summer,23,6,1976,Summer," Anticipated contigency plans that the Government is expected to make in order to meet the water shortage. [Mr. Morris: The specific nature of my request is that the water shortage is self-evident to us all. The importance is even more self-evident. The domestic consumer, industry, commerce and, not least, the production of food need water. The urgency is paramount and dictated by the escalating scale of the problem. Only a few weeks ago, it was a localised problem, but yesterday, in answer to a parliamentary Question, I was told that there are now 26 drought orders affecting 17 counties—nearly one-third of the country. The public has a right to know that the Government are making urgent contingency plans to meet this shortage.]",HC Deb 23 June 1976 vol 913 cc1596-7,"England,Wales",,,,,R,"Regulation, Policy",Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1976/jun/23/water-supply,,
17,25,6,1976,Summer,25,6,1976,Summer,"26 water orders in 17 counties [Mr. Michael Morris: asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many drought orders are currently in existence and which counties are affected. Mr. Denis Howell: As at 16th June 1976, 26 drought orders are in force in England and Wales. These have been made to alleviate difficulties with water supply in parts of the following counties: Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Warwickshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Kent, Sussex, Dorset, Somerset, Devon, Gwent, South Glamorgan and Mid-Glamorgan.",HC Deb 25 June 1976 vol 913 c432W,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Regulation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/jun/25/drought,,
18,30,6,1976,Summer,30,6,1976,Summer,"Restrictions on new sewerage schemes, delaying housing projects in rural areas [Mr. Peter Mills asked the Secretary of State for the Environment by how much the restriction on new sewerage schemes is delaying the building of urgently needed homes in rural reas of the South West of England. Mr. Denis Howell: In accordance with Government policy, water authorities are giving priority to schemes to support housing and industrial development and to remove danger to public health. But in some parts of the South-West there are backlogs of overdue schemes in rural areas and it will inevitably take time to catch up.]",HC Deb 30 June 1976 vol 914 c171W,"England,Wales",,,,,S,"Regulation, Policy","Water Supply, Industry",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/jun/30/water-and-sewerage-schemes,,"Impact on the economy overall: housing projects delayed, impact on the industrial development"
19,2,7,1976,Summer,2,7,1976,Summer,"The absence of water grids over the past 20 years [Sir G. de Freitas: For over 20 years many of us concerned with the Midlands have suggested the establishment of water grids to bring water to the dry counties from the wet regions, and the storage, for use inland, of water from the four rivers that pour into the Wash. Successive Governments have brushed that proposal aside. Will my right hon. Friend undertake to treat the longer-term problem seriously?]",HC Deb 02 July 1976 vol 914 cc797-808,"England,Wales",,,,,D,"Regulation, Policy",Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1976/jul/02/water-supply,,Endogenous driver
20,2,7,1976,Summer,2,7,1976,Summer,"Inefficient and overstaffed regional water authorities [Mr. Freud First, instead of pouring money into regional water authorities, which are overstaffed and in many cases inefficient—indeed, many private water companies are much more efficient than the regional water authorities—would he consider a grant to farming communities to enable them to build reservoirs for this sort of emergency?]",HC Deb 02 July 1976 vol 914 cc797-808,"England,Wales",,,,,P,"Regulation, Policy",Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1976/jul/02/water-supply,,Ownership of water companies; Proposal of increasing the investment into private water companies
21,2,7,1976,Summer,2,7,1976,Summer,Implies that there has been bad planning in some areas; The water board which are in a better position to give assistance to hard-pressed areas [Mr. Lawrence: Is the Minister aware that in the areas covered by the South Staffordshire Water Board there is at present no problem because of good planning over the years and the geographical position of the area? Will he give urgent attention to the possibility of such boards giving assistance to hard-pressed areas?],HC Deb 02 July 1976 vol 914 cc797-808,"England,Wales",,,,,PS,"Regulation, Policy",Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1976/jul/02/water-supply,,
22,2,7,1976,Summer,2,7,1976,Summer,Restrictions on domestic consumers [Baroness VICKERS: In my area we are already prohibited from watering our gardens or washing our cars.],HL Deb 02 July 1976 vol 372 cc952-61,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Regulation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1976/jul/02/drought,,
23,2,7,1976,Summer,2,7,1976,Summer,"Talk about introducing Drought Bill [Lord NUGENT of GUILDFORD: May I (…) whether it is not true that the object of this legislation, which has been discussed in very great detail with the water industry, is to ensure that we get a fair distribution of what we know are in some areas very limited resources?",HL Deb 02 July 1976 vol 372 cc952-61,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1976/jul/02/drought,,
24,2,7,1976,Summer,2,7,1976,Summer,Talk about introducing Drought Bill [Lord SANDFORD: Particularly welcome will be the emphasis placed on the fact that the powers [introduced by the Drought Bill] should be used flexibly and in different ways in different localities.],HL Deb 02 July 1976 vol 372 cc952-61,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1976/jul/02/drought,,
25,2,7,1976,Summer,2,7,1976,Summer,"Introduction of a Bill that would extend the range of powers water authorities can exercise for limited periods [Baroness Birk: ""We have discussed with the water authorities the range of powers available for dealing with this, and have concluded as a result that they are inadequate for what is a quite unprecedented situation. In particular, they have two major defects; they do not allow for progressive limitations on non-essential uses of water in a developing shortage, and they do not enable the water undertakers to impose in an emergency a flexible and equitable water rationing system. We have accordingly decided to bring forward urgently a short Bill designed to confer on statutory water undertakers new powers of control over use of water in times of shortage. Essentially we shall be building on the powers for Drought Orders already contained in the Water Act 1958. The exercise of the new powers (…) will be applied for limited periods in specific areas where the water supply situation warrants it.”]",HL Deb 02 July 1976 vol 372 cc952-61,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1976/jul/02/drought,,Legislation applied during the drought: building on the powers for Drought Orders already contained in Water Act 1958
26,7,7,1976,Summer,7,7,1976,Summer,Water restrictions on the use of hosepipes by domestic consumers [Mr. Denis Howell: As at 1st July 1976 restrictions on the use of hosepipes by domestic consumers are in force in parts of 33 counties in England and Wales.],HC Deb 07 July 1976 vol 914 c578W,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Regulation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/jul/07/water-supply,,
27,13,7,1976,Summer,13,7,1976,Summer,"Installing water meters [Mr. Denis Howell: It is difficult to make reliable estimates of the cost of installing and running water meters. The National Water Council has recently estimated, however, that the total capital cost of installing meters in all properties at present provided with an unmeasured water supply would be between £650 million and £950 million, and that the annual costs, including maintenance and meter reading, would be between £6.60 and £9.50 per dwelling.]",HC Deb 12 July 1976 vol 915 c25W,"England,Wales",,,,,R,"Regulation, Policy",Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/jul/12/water-meters,,
28,13,7,1976,Summer,13,7,1976,Summer, Insufficient water restrictions imposed in the past two years [Mr. Denis Howell: About the number of occasions in the last two years on which regional water authorities have had to put restrictions on the use of domestic water. During the summer of 1974 six water authorities in England and Wales banned the use of hosepipes for a time in some parts of their areas. In the summer of 1975 the number was seven. This year all but one of the 10 water authorities have done so.],HC Deb 13 July 1976 vol 915 c136W,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Regulation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/jul/13/water-supply,,
29,20,7,1976,Summer,20,7,1976,Summer,"Response – the drought is directly related to the anticipated regulatory changes [Baroness Birk: But the position in the areas worst affected is causing concern, and it would be irresponsible not to recognise that looking towards the late summer and autumn we have to face the real probability of localised water emergencies. It is this situation that caused the Government to conclude that new powers were needed. I have been asked: ""Surely you could have seen what was coming [i.e. the drought] and brought in a Bill sooner?"".]",HL Deb 20 July 1976 vol 373 cc690-732,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Regulation,"Water Supply, Industry",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1976/jul/20/drought-bill-hl,,"Impact on the economy overall: textiles, paper, other essential industries affected."
30,20,7,1976,Summer,20,7,1976,Summer,"Contigency plans [Lord REDESDALE: On to the question of contingency planning. One of the biggest users of water is the CEGB. Here consultation well in advance can solve many very serious problems. Obviously if water supplies have to be shut off to generating stations for any reason, electricity supplies would have to be diverted and the grid system would have to be changed. A lot of contingency planning would be necessary. There are, of course, a lot of other areas where consultation is required. They cover textiles; they cover paper and a number of other essential industries. Therefore, planning is absolutely essential. In fact, probably something in the region of seven days would be necessary to try to save these industries and protect jobs.]",HL Deb 20 July 1976 vol 373 cc690-732,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Regulation,"Water Supply, Industry",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1976/jul/20/drought-bill-hl,,"Impact on the economy overall: textiles, paper, other essential industries affected."
31,20,7,1976,Summer,20,7,1976,Summer," [Baroness Birk: For although the Bill has been brought in now as an emergency measure, it will provide a framework within which water authorities will be able to tackle water supply problems in the longer term.]",HL Deb 20 July 1976 vol 373 cc690-732,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Regulation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1976/jul/20/drought-bill-hl,,
32,20,7,1976,Summer,20,7,1976,Summer,"Absence of water grids [Baroness BIRK: This relates to the point made by several noble Lords about the question of a water grid. I think that this is an idea which everybody supports, but water is not like electricity; it needs large pipes and heavy and expensive pumping equipment. It is not something that can be done in a short period. However, everywhere the water authorities are developing linkages between the different systems which they inherited, although it is far short at present of a full grid. This can, therefore, only be a long-term aim.]",HL Deb 20 July 1976 vol 373 cc690-732,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Regulation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1976/jul/20/drought-bill-hl,,
33,20,7,1976,Summer,20,7,1976,Summer,"Response (the connection is made directly between the evolution of the natural phenomenon and the development of the new Drought Bill) [Richard Nugent, Baron Nugent of Guildford: We took a view of this situation in the National Water Council last winter as we saw the low rainfall and as the months went by and saw the total winter rainfall was falling further and further below average. (…) We asked the Thames water authorities last February to give us a report of how they saw the water resources in their respective regions. They gave us that report, which confirmed our worst fears. In some areas resources were seriously down; reservoirs were low, ground water levels were quite phenomenally low and even the surface water levels in the rivers were low as well. So we published a statement in March from the National Water Council forecasting the dangers we might meet this summer. (…) In the event, low rainfall has continued since April and not only has there been low rainfall but there have been exceptionally high temperatures, which cause high evaporation. Therefore, the position has progressively worsened since then. We have consulted with the noble Baroness's Department, the Department of the Environment, and in early May we expressed the view that in some areas additional powers would be needed to deal with the kind of problems the noble Baroness has outlined.]",HL Deb 20 July 1976 vol 373 cc690-732,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Regulation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1976/jul/20/drought-bill-hl,,
34,20,7,1976,Summer,20,7,1976,Summer,State changes: consumer restrictions. Driver; Impact (structural; at the level of planning) Insufficient planning for the development of water resources and investment into water suply [DEPARTMENT of the ENVIRONMENT (Baroness Birk): The prolonged drought means everyone has to become water conscious in quite a different sense—to think about the use of water in a conservationist context and to avoid what has always been considered natural waste. If we change our habitual thinking we shall be better able to plan both the development of our water resources and the investment needed to be put into water supply.],HL Deb 20 July 1976 vol 373 cc690-732,"England,Wales",,,,,DSI,Regulation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1976/jul/20/drought-bill-hl,,Need for better investiment into water suply and the development of water resources.
35,22,7,1976,Summer,22,7,1976,Summer,"Proposed cuts in water suplies; restrictions on the labour market. [Mr. Arthur Lewis asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in the light of proposed cuts in water supplies to industry for periods of up to 13 hours per day during August and September, he has made any estimate of how this will affect employment, production, exports, cost of living and balance of payments; and whether he will make a statement. Mr. Denis Howell: The Welsh National Water Development Authority has, I understand, warned industrial consumers in areas at risk in South-East Wales that unless substantial savings are achieved by voluntary means compulsory restrictions could be required in 6–8 weeks.]",HC Deb 22 July 1976 vol 915 c562W 562W,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Regulation,"Water Supply, Industry, Economy",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/jul/22/water-supply,,"Impacts on the economy overall: will affect employment, production, exports, cost of living and balance of payments"
36,26,7,1976,Summer,26,7,1976,Summer,Water abstraction licence [Mr. Denis Howell: Applications for water abstraction licences are made to regional water authorities (…).],HC Deb 26 July 1976 vol 916 c58W,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Regulation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/jul/26/water-abstraction,,
37,26,7,1976,Summer,26,7,1976,Summer,"Water authorities are required to make detailed reports on the quality of water supplies, and on the discharge of their functions. [Mr. Onslow: asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proportion of the water quality reports in each of the regional water authority areas in England and Wales has failed to meet the required standard in each of the past two years. Mr. Denis Howell:  Water authorities are required to provide a ""wholesome"" supply of water and they are not required to make detailed reports to the Secretary of State on the quality of these supplies; for the remainder of their responsibilities they are required, by the Water Act 1973, to report on the discharge of their functions (…).]",HC Deb 27 July 1976 vol 916 cc170-1W,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Regulation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/jul/27/water-standards,,Regulation applied during drought: Water Act 1973.
38,27,7,1976,Summer,27,7,1976,Summer,"State change: Implementation of a water conservation valve as a saving water aid. 
Response: Model Water byelaws [Mr. Stephen Ross : asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what evaluation he has made of the effectiveness as an aid to saving water of the water conservation valve, details of which have been supplied to him; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Denis Howell : I understand the fitting in question is being assessed by the National Water Council Approvals Board in relation to the requirements of the model water byelaws. I am not in a position to comment on the overall efficiency of this device as an aid to saving water.]",HC Deb 29 July 1976 vol 916 c352W,"England,Wales",,,,,SR,Regulation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/jul/29/water-conservation-valve,,"Regulators: National Water Council Approvals Board. 
Regulation: Model Water byelaws"
39,2,8,1976,Summer,2,8,1976,Summer,Potential change in the membership of the National Water Council to include representatives dependent on water supplies. [Mr. Michael Morris : asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will consider increasing the membership of the National Water Council to include representatives of manufacturing industry heavily dependent on water supplies in the production process.],HC Deb 02 August 1976 vol 916 c640W,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,"Water Supply, Industry",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/aug/02/national-water-council,,Regulator: National Water Council; Impact on the economy oveall: on the industry heavily dependent on water supplies in the production process
40,3,8,1976,Summer,3,8,1976,Summer,"Consultative Document on the review of the Water Industry. State change: A change in the relationship between water authorities and district councils. [Mrs. Wise : asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the liaison between water authorities and district councils. Mr. Denis Howell : I have asked water authorities to pay particular attention to their relationship with the local authorities and I believe they are doing so. As a result of the Consultative Document on the Review of the Water Industry we have received a wide range of comments, some affecting this matter, and this is receiving attention.]",HC Deb 03 August 1976 vol 916 c734W,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Report,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/aug/03/water-authorities-and-district-councils,,Discussion on the liaison between water authorities and district council
41,3,8,1976,Summer,3,8,1976,Summer,(Potential) absenteism of National Water Council's employees [Mr. John Moore: asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing (a) the number of days lost through strikes in the National Water Council and (b) the number of days lost through absenteeism in the National Water Council for each year since 1964. Mr. Denis Howell: The National Water Council was established by the Water Act 1973. I understand from the council that no days have been lost through strikes and that there is no evidence of absenteeism among its employees.],HC Deb 03 August 1976 vol 916 c727W 727W,"England,Wales",,,,,P,Report,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/aug/03/national-water-council,,Regulator: National Water Council
42,4,8,1976,Summer,4,8,1976,Summer,"The key distinguishing feature of the Drought Act 1976 was in comparison to the provisions under the Water Act 1958 that there was a greater range of powers to reduce flexibly water use, including non-essential use bans. The Water Act 1958 hosepipe bans, and then standpipes. Responses: the Bill gives extra powers for water authorities to deal quickly with discharges of sewage or trade effluent, and to limit non-essential uses of water [Clause 1 (Drought Bill) (...) deals with the precautionary stage. I do not need to rehearse (…) the defects in the existing powers under the Water Act 1958. It was (…) not designed for a drought of the severity that we have experienced this year (…). With this, the existing provisions have built into them a curious inflexibility—a dramatic jump (…) from banning hose-pipes in the garden to erecting standpipes in the streets. 
Clause 1 re-enacts the existing provisions of the 1958 Act dealing with abstractions and river flows—the traditional drought Order. It builds on these provisions in a number of ways, notably, in terms of extra powers for water authorities to deal quickly in a time of drought with discharges of sewage or trade effluent. But the significant feature of the new powers, and the one to which the water authorities are looking particularly at this time, is the power that it gives to limit non-essential uses of water.]",HC Deb 04 August 1976 vol 916 cc1744-818,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1976/aug/04/drought-bill-lords,,
43,4,8,1976,Summer,4,8,1976,Summer,"A proposal to dismiss any intervention that would interfere with inland navigation for the purpose of water saving.  Impact: the discussion is about the introduction of the 1976 Drought Act [The use of water has always involved a clash of interests and the art of political co-ordination. In this amendment I seek to protect the use of water in respect of inland navigation and marginally where harbour authorities have that function. (…) There it refers to taking water from a source from which water is available to inland navigation and to statutory discharges from inland navigation for other uses. I am particularly concerned with the scope of the directions which have already been referred to and which were set out in general terms by the Minister of State yesterday as reported at column. From the indication given by the Minister it appears that it is not in his mind to make any directions which shall direct the use of water from inland navigations in such a way that the statutory duties of inland navigation authorities are upset. I do not refer only to the British Waterways Board because, although it is the biggest operator of the system, there are a good many independent canals and navigations such as the Upper Avon, Navigation Trust and Wey Navigation. I suspect that the Minister has no intention of making any directions that would interfere with their obligations.]",HC Deb 04 August 1976 vol 916 cc1744-818,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1976/aug/04/drought-bill-lords,,Regulator: Bodies involved in regulating the use of water - British Waterways Board; Impact on the industry and economy through inland navigation; Legislation applied: statutory orders imposing specific obligations on the British Waterways Board
44,4,8,1976,Summer,4,8,1976,Summer,"Drought Bill 1976, this is a debate in preparation of the Bill, which discusses what responsibilities should the regional water authorities have. [Mr. Jones: The regional water authorities are responsible for taking the necessary steps to these ends. They are responsible for the standard of sewage effluents and the acceptance into water courses of trade effluents and for setting standards. To some extent they have a joint responsibility—the acceptance of these effluents and the maintenance of the standards of water courses. If the subsection is left as it stands, the authorities are acting as judge and jury in their own case. The Bill requires the Secretary of State to be responsible for giving the necessary authority for the discharge, and his approval is required in terms of the order which needs to be laid. The amendment seeks to require that any conditions laid down by the Secretary of State shall be specified in the order.]",HC Deb 04 August 1976 vol 916 cc1744-818,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1976/aug/04/drought-bill-lords,,
45,5,8,1976,Summer,5,8,1976,Summer,"This is a discussion about the Drought Act 1976. It is relevant to state change and responses in that what is proposed is that no compensation will be due if damage results from the implementation of a drought order. [Mr. John Silkin: Regarding Clause 2 orders, the provisions largely follow the pattern of the Water Act 1958, which makes no provision for compensation for damage sustained as a result of an Order under Section 2 of that Act.]",HC Deb 05 August 1976 vol 916 cc2276-9,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1976/aug/05/compensation,,Legislation: Water Act 1958. The Drought Act 1976 is expected to following the lines of the Water Act 1958 in what concerns the absence of compensation if damage is incurred as a result of a Drought Order.
46,5,8,1976,Summer,5,8,1976,Summer,2281 Drought orders in effect under the 1958 Act. [Mr. John Silkin: The whole point about this is that there are a number of 2281 Orders which are in effect at present under the 1958 Act.],HC Deb 05 August 1976 vol 916 cc2279-82,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Regulation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1976/aug/05/transitional-and-saving-provisions,,Legislation applied: 1958 Water Act
47,5,8,1976,Summer,5,8,1976,Summer,"This is a discussion about how Drought Orders should be implemented. [Mr. John Silkin: The intention of the amendment is to ensure that a copy of any major plan relating to an Order is deposited by the water authority in the area affected by the Order and not simply in the authority's area as a whole. In line with the provisions in the schedule, the amendment is necessary because of the considerable extent of some water authority areas, which could result in the plan being deposited some distance from the area to which it related.]",HC Deb 05 August 1976 vol 916 cc2274-6,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Regulation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1976/aug/05/procedure-for-making-orders,,Regulatory tools: the procedure for applying drought orders
48,6,8,1976,Summer,6,8,1976,Summer,"The government conducted a consultative process in view of introducing the 1976 Drought Act. The resulting document is: Consultative document ‘Review of the Water Industry’ [Mr. Michael Morris: I asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what reply he will make to the comments of the Anglian Water Authority submitted to his Department in response to the consultative document ""Review of the Water Industry"" in England and Wales, in particular to the authority's view that the board structure of the private water companies provides an efficient method of management and that there is no case for abolition; (2) in view of the comments of the Anglian Water Authority, whether the Government will reconsider their decision to bring the water companies into public ownership as soon as practicable.]",HC Deb 06 August 1976 vol 916 c1178W,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/aug/06/water-companies,,The structure of the water industry: The board structure of the private water companies provides an efficient method of management and it should not be abolished.
49,6,8,1976,Summer,6,8,1976,Summer,"This is a discussion about how some regional water authorities go about implementing drought orders (with the help of television and radio). State change: restriction on the use of water for domestic purposes, all sports and car washing plants. [Mr. Crouch: Mr. Michael Morris asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) how much has been spent by each regional water authority on publicity for water conservation so far in 1976 as compared with 1975; (2) how many and which regional water authorities have used the television medium up to the end of June in their water conservation publicity. Mr. Denis Howell: I regret that I have not available figures of water authority expenditure on publicity. But I can assure the hon. Member that all the water authorities affected by drought are making extensive use of radio, television and press for their economy campaigns.   Mr. Crouch asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a recommendation to the local authorities and to water authorities that where restrictions on the use of water for domestic purposes have been introduced, such restrictions should apply to all sports uses and car washing plants. Mr. Denis Howell: I made clear on the course of debate on the Drought Bill the Government's intention that these uses should be subject to control as the situation warranted.  Mr. John Stradling Thomas: asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will issue advice to British Rail about the need to consult with regional water authorities concerning co-operation in the conservation of water supplies during the present drought.  Mr. Denis Howell: Yes.]",HC Deb 06 August 1976 vol 916 cc1178-9W,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Regulation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/aug/06/water-conservation,,"Regulatory tools in relation to drought: restrictions on the use of water for domestic purposes, all sports and car washing recommendations to the local authorities and water authorities."
50,6,8,1976,Summer,6,8,1976,Summer,"This is a discussion about the introduction of the 1976 Drought Act, on the specific topic of a general obligation for Water Authorities to publicise any Drought Orders and restrictions they adopt. State change and responses: provides indications about how Drought orders and restrictions should be implemented. [Baroness STEDMAN: The intention of Amendment No. 3 is to strengthen the duty of the Water Authority by placing a general obligation on it to bring to the attention of everyone likely to be affected any prohibition or limitation of water use with the particular obligation either to publish notices in local papers or to send an individual notice to those affected. This additional publicity requirement, which is intended to pave the way for authorities to arrange, among other things, radio and television broadcasts where appropriate, will assist in ensuring that everyone concerned will be fully aware of the proposed action of the Water Authority.]",HL Deb 06 August 1976 vol 373 cc1634-49,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1976/aug/06/drought-bill-hl,,Regulatory tools in relation to drought: restrictions on the use of water that need to be publicised in the media.
51,6,8,1976,Summer,6,8,1976,Summer,"The MP wonders whether one of the causes of the climate change might be linked to the economic and regulatory activity Britain is subject to as a member of the EEC. [Lord BOOTHBY. Do the Government think that we have undergone—perhaps since we joined the European Economic Community—a decisive change in our climate, which will last for years to come, or is this only a temporary phenomenon?]",HL Deb 06 August 1976 vol 373 cc1634-49,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Legislation [EU],Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1976/aug/06/drought-bill-hl,,
52,6,8,1976,Summer,6,8,1976,Summer,"Not having a complete national water grid system. Anticipated impact: a reorganisation of the water industry and the establishment of a national water authority. [Baroness WHITE: We do have (…) considerable quantities of water in the wrong places. The time that will elapse and the cost that will be involved in working out a complete national water grid system, which is really the only ultimate way of dealing with a situation of this kind, is one of the strongest arguments for the establishment of a national water authority, which, of course, should have been done under the reorganisation of the water industry under the previous Administration.]",HL Deb 06 August 1976 vol 373 cc1634-49,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Regulation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1976/aug/06/drought-bill-hl,,"Structure of the water industry: this is a discussion of the need to establish a national water grid system managed by a national water authority, and not by regional water authorities; Endogenous driver"
53,6,8,1976,Summer,6,8,1976,Summer,"Drought orders that impose water use restrictions on domestic users and on industrial processes. State change: negative effects of these restrictions on the labour market and industry. [Baroness WHITE: This threatens not only the housewives. (…) But, of course, we are also much concerned about industry. We suffer from inadequate employment in many parts of South Wales, particularly the South-East, and some of the industrial processes rely absolutely on water. So we are deeply concerned, not purely from the point of view of domestic need and domestic convenience, but also from that of employment. Therefore, I would hope that Her Majesty's Government, whatever other legislation they may have in store for us in the coming Session, will treat this question of a national water authority particularly with considerable seriousness.]",HL Deb 06 August 1976 vol 373 cc1634-49,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Regulation,"Water Supply, Industry, Economy",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1976/aug/06/drought-bill-hl,,Impact on the industry and labour market
54,6,8,1976,Summer,6,8,1976,Summer,"This is a discussion regarding the introduction of the Drought Act 1976, which is said to enable the Water Authorities to take the necessary steps to safeguard the water supply. Responses: the necessary restrictions on water use, and State changes: publicising restrictions alongside information regarding climate change. [Baroness STEDMAN: The noble Lord, Lord Hawke, coined the phrase that 1976 might go down as our ""droughtiest"" year. (…) this Bill gives the Water Authorities the right to take necessary steps, as and when they can, to safeguard our water supply. My Lords, I can give general and firm assurances that we will use every means in our power to give the widest possible publicity, not only to what is happening now, but when we have the information as to the sort of trends in the climate there might be. We will make this information available through the Press, television, radio, and any other means at our disposal.]",HL Deb 06 August 1976 vol 373 cc1634-49,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1976/aug/06/drought-bill-hl,,
55,6,8,1976,Summer,6,8,1976,Summer,"This is a discussion about the number of staff and the associated costs in the water industries across the country, in the context of plans to reorganise the water industry. This processes of reorganisation follows a previous reorganisation of the water industry. [Mr. Denis Howell: The National Water Council tells me that the latest firm figure available for staff employed by regional water authorities in England and Wales is 58,385 at 31st March 1975. The Ogden Report, published in July 1973, estimated that, before reorganisation, 75,000 people were employed in the water industry. The figures are not, however, strictly comparable. In particular, certain functions of the water authorities are carried out on an agency basis by district councils and water companies. I also understand from the National Water Council that the cost of regional water authority staff in England and Wales was £174,091,000 in 1974–75, the latest year for which figures are available. I regret that comparable figures for staff costs prior to reorganisation are not available.]",HC Deb 06 August 1976 vol 916 cc1179-80W,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,"Water Supply, Industry",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/aug/06/water-authorities-staffs,,"Structure of the water industry. This is a discussion about the number of staff and the associated costs in the water industries across the country, in the context of plans to reorganise the water industry. This processes of reorganisation follows a previous reorganisation of the water industry;  Potential Impact"
56,6,8,1976,Summer,6,8,1976,Summer,"The establishment of a Technical Working Group on Waste of Water.  this group will produce a recommendation document. [Mr. Denis Howell: However, my Department and the National Water Council have established jointly a Technical Working Group on Waste of Water. The Group's first report will probably be published in September; further action will depend upon the Group's recommendations. Mr. Michael Morris: asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he will take in the light of the warnings from the Cooling Water Association concerning the waste of industrial water.]",HC Deb 06 August 1976 vol 916 cc1180-1W,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Report,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/aug/06/water-losses,,"Regulators involved with the water industry at large: Cooling Water Association, the National Water Council, Ministry of Drought"
57,6,8,1976,Summer,6,8,1976,Summer,"Orders for the variation or suspension of consents to discharge sewage or trade effluent. State change: the orders may affect the industries which need to be protected from any disproportional course of action on the part of the water authorities. [Baroness STEDMAN: The purpose of the Amendment is to ensure that orders for the variation or suspension of consents to discharge sewage or trade effluent specify the consent or consents to which they refer. It has been suggested that the present wording might allow Water Authorities to make a blanket order covering all consents granted by them, which was not the intention. The revised wording will provide an additional safeguard to industries likely to be affected by orders under this subsection.]",HL Deb 06 August 1976 vol 373 cc1634-49,"England,Wales",,,,,SR,Regulation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1976/aug/06/drought-bill-hl,,Impact on the industry
58,13,10,1976,Autumn,13,10,1976,Autumn,Commissioning the Winter Drought Study [Mr. Denis Howell: The recent rainfall together with the measures which the Government and the water authorities have already taken should ensure adequate supplies for the remainder of this year provided that water savings are maintained. As regards next year's supplies I hope to make a statement shortly on the Government's conclusions on the Winter Drought Study prepared by the National Water Council.],HC Deb 13 October 1976 vol 917 cc117-9W,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Report,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/oct/13/water-supply,,Regulator: National Water Council
59,14,10,1976,Autumn,14,10,1976,Autumn,"The drought's effects on the economy overall. [Mr. Healey: The drought and the hot weather will undoubtedly have an effect on output in agriculture and in some other industries, and on the price of certain foods. (…) The Minister of Agriculture has already announced, on 5th October certain measures including increases in the guaranteed prices of milk and sheep to help ensure that effects on agricultural output are minimised. There is not enough firm evidence available to assess what effect, if any, the drought is likely to have on any of the targets announced in the statement of 22nd July and in the speech of 2nd August.]",HC Deb 14 October 1976 vol 917 c180W,"England,Wales",,,,,I,,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/oct/14/drought-effects,,The drought's effects on the economy overall.
60,18,10,1976,Autumn,18,10,1976,Autumn,"(Removing) the water restrictions imposed under the Drought Act on commercial undertaking, [Mr. Speed: asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now take steps to remove from commercial undertakings the water restrictions imposed under the Drought Act. Mr. Denis Howell: This is a matter to be decided by the regional water authorities. Some have already lifted restrictions on non-essential uses altogether. Some have lifted them in part. Where restrictions remain in force the authorities will keep the situation under constant review and will, I am sure, give sympathetic consideration to the possibility of relaxations in the case of commercial undertakings.]",HC Deb 18 October 1976 vol 917 cc316-7W,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Legislation,"Water Supply, Economy",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/oct/18/water-supply-restrictions,,The drought's effects on the economy overall.
61,18,10,1976,Autumn,18,10,1976,Autumn,"The drought's effects on the economy overall. [Mr. David Price: asked the Secretary of State for Trade what is his estimate of the likely effect of the drought on the balance of trade figures over the next year; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Meacher: So far the impact of the drought on manufacturing industry seems unlikely to have had any significant effect on the balance of trade. The effect on agriculture is likely to have some adverse influence, but it is not possible to make any firm estimate.]",HC Deb 18 October 1976 vol 917 c354W,"England,Wales",,,,,I,,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/oct/18/drought-effects,,The drought's effects on the economy overall.
62,19,10,1976,Autumn,19,10,1976,Autumn,"Restrictions on automatic flushes during the drought. [Baroness HORNSBY-SMITH: Asks Her Majesty's Government whether they will take steps to ensure that when the day's work is completed on building sites the automatic flushes in the toilets are turned off and not left operating night and day, seven days a week, in view of the waste of water and the feelings of nearby residents exhorted to economise on water supplies. Baroness STEDMAN: My Lords, the Drought Act 1976 enables the water authorities to seek powers to prohibit or restrict the use of water in the particular circumstances described by the noble Baroness, and many authorities have done so. it would be for the authorities concerned to enforce any such restriction.]",HL Deb 19 October 1976 vol 375 cc1124-5,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Regulation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1976/oct/19/water-conservation-automatic-flushes,,Drought Act 1976
63,20,10,1976,Autumn,20,10,1976,Autumn,"Restrictions on the use of water. Responses: reviewing and relating restrictions on the water. [Mr. Holland: asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice he has given the regional water authorities about lifting the restrictions imposed on the use of water; and when it is proposed to lift the restrictions in each water authority area. Mr. Denis Howell: This is a matter which each of the authorities must decide in the light of its own particular circumstances. Restrictions on non-essential uses under the Drought Act remain in force only in Thames and for certain uses or areas in Anglia, Severn Trent, Wessex and Yorkshire. Hosepipe bans also still apply in a number of areas. The authorities concerned are all keeping the situation under constant review and relaxing restrictions as soon as they believe it is safe to do so, having regard to necessary reserves for next year.]",HC Deb 20 October 1976 vol 917 c461W,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Regulation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/oct/20/water-restrictions,,Regulator: regional water authorities
64,20,10,1976,Autumn,20,10,1976,Autumn,"Save water' media campaigns Mr. Holland: asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much has been spent on ""save water"" campaigns in the Press and on TV and radio during the month of October; and how much more will be spent during the remaining days of the month. Mr. Denis Howell: The National Water Council's campaign this month has been confined to television; between lst-15th October the council spent £138,890, and expects to spend £28,083 during the rest of the month. I have no figures for the expenditure incurred by the individual water authorities.",HC Deb 20 October 1976 vol 917 c462W,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Regulation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/oct/20/water-conservation,,
65,25,10,1976,Autumn,25,10,1976,Autumn,"Water supply interchanges between regions during drought. Major construction schemes being anticipated and planned. [Mr. Denis Howell: (about restoring normal water levels)I hope to make a statement on the national water situation shortly in the light of the National Water Council's report ""Water Supply Prospects for 1977"". The importance that the Government attaches to the transfer of water across water authority boundaries and the redeployment of water sources between areas as part of a national strategy was set out in the consultative document ""Review of the Water Industry in England and Wales"", published in March. As the NWC's report explains, considerable potential already exists for the interchange of supplies, which has been demonstrated during the drought, and other major schemes either under construction or at the planning stage are identified.]",HC Deb 25 October 1976 vol 918 cc30-2W,"England,Wales",,,,,R,"Regulation, Policy",Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/oct/25/water-supplies,,Regulator: The National Water Council
66,25,10,1976,Autumn,25,10,1976,Autumn,"Investment and purchasing policy: Regional water authorities' make their own purchasing policies and decisions. [Mr. Denis Howell: Regional water authorities make their own decisions on purchasing policy. In the particular case that the hon. Member has in mind, the authority was reminded by my Department of the Government's general attitude of support for ICL, and I myself stressed the responsibility of the authority to assure itself of the economic basis for major investment of this kind; but the ultimate decision is for the authority itself to take in the light of all the circumstances. I understand that the authority has now decided to invite re-tenders for the project.]",HC Deb 25 October 1976 vol 918 cc29-30W,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Policy,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/oct/25/water-authorities-purchasing-policy,,Investment and purchasing policy: Regional water authorities' make their own purchasing policies and decisions.
67,27,10,1976,Autumn,27,10,1976,Autumn,"Restrictions according to Drought Act 1976.  Responses: hosepipe bans, although under a constant review and relaxing process. [Mr. Cartwright: asked the Secretary of State for the Environment which regional water authorities are still imposing restrictions on the use of water by domestic or industrial users; and, on the basis of the present replenishment of water reserves, when it is anticipated that these restrictions will be lifted. Mr. Marks: Restrictions under Section 1(3)(b) of the Drought Act 1976 remain in force in Thames and for certain uses or areas in Anglia, Severn-Trent and Yorkshire. Hosepipe bans also still apply in a number of areas. The authorities concerned are all keeping the situation under constant review and relaxing restrictions as soon as they believe it is safe to do so, having regard to necessary resources for next year]",HC Deb 27 October 1976 vol 918 c236W,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/oct/27/water-restrictions,,
68,1,11,1976,Autumn,1,11,1976,Autumn,"Providing standpipes and the costs implied. [Mr. Pardoe: asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has received any estimate from the South West Water Authority of the cost of providing standpipes during the recent drought; and if he will make a special payment to the water authority to cover this cost. Mr. Denis Howell: I understand that the South West Water Authority estimates the cost of providing standpipes at about £120,000. I fear that there can be no question of adding to Government spending by subsidies to this or any other water authority.]",HC Deb 01 November 1976 vol 918 cc456-7W,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Policy,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/nov/01/drought-standpipe-costs,,
69,2,11,1976,Autumn,2,11,1976,Autumn,"A reorganisation of the structure of the water industry and establishing a national grid scheme. [Lord POPPLEWELL: (...) this drought has been very exceptional indeed; but has it not taught the Department and the nation as a whole the lesson that we should look upon water resources as a whole? Instead of our having the independent authorities that we have now, would it not be possible for some thought to be given to establishing a national grid scheme, somewhat on the lines of the gas and electricity industries, in order to see that the rivers, which have so much water which flows to waste, as it were, are harnessed to meet any future emergency?]",HL Deb 02 November 1976 vol 376 cc1071-4,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Policy,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1976/nov/02/drought-act-and-water-restrictions,,Reorganisation of the structure of the water industry by establishing a national grid scheme.
70,2,11,1976,Autumn,2,11,1976,Autumn,"Applying the Drought Act after the drought had ended. Replacing the restrictions imposed by this Act. [Lord LUCAS of CHILWORTH: asks Her Majesty's Government when, in view of the statement made by the chairman of the National Water Council with regard to water supplies, they propose to repeal the Drought Act 1976 and lift restrictions on the use of water for commercial cleaning purposes. The PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE, DEPARTMENT of the ENVIRONMENT (Baroness Birk): My Lords, we need to keep the powers of the Drought Act in reserve, but those powers enabling water authorities to restrict the use of water for non-essential purposes are of limited duration. However, water authorities are already relaxing restrictions or treating cases of special hardship sympathetically.]",HL Deb 02 November 1976 vol 376 cc1071-4,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1976/nov/02/drought-act-and-water-restrictions,,
71,3,11,1976,Autumn,3,11,1976,Autumn," Effects of the Drought Act on the costs directly on the water authorities, and the benefits for water consumers. [Mr. Shore: The recent legislation may have imposed costs directly on the water authorities, but I do not think anyone would doubt that it conferred great benefits on water consumers throughout the country. As for the scope of the legislation which we hope eventually to bring before the House, it is too early for me to comment on the particular proposals being put forward, but we hope that the legislation will strengthen the organisation of the water industry nationally.]",HC Deb 03 November 1976 vol 918 cc1403-5,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1976/nov/03/water-service,,
72,3,11,1976,Autumn,3,11,1976,Autumn,"Details about the Drought Act and its implementation. [Mr. Howell: (…) Some of the many hundreds of orders made under the Drought Act could be made within a matter of days. If they were of a more substantial and permanent character, obviously we could not use the Draconian powers in the Act without giving the owners of property and land a proper opportunity to make representations and the Secretary of State a reasonable time in which to determine the applications. However, I can assure the House that in all cases the process was considerably shorter than is normally the case for such applications.]",HC Deb 03 November 1976 vol 918 cc1402-3,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1976/nov/03/water-supplies,,
73,16,11,1976,Autumn,16,11,1976,Autumn,"The reorganisation of the water industry and water resources at national level. [Mr. Howell: The response of the water companies was mixed. Some authorities had to be brought sharply to the point of understanding that the nation's water resources must be taken as a whole and harnessed and managed as a whole. I suggest that that has been the principal lesson taught by the drought. We cannot divide off the supply of water in one part of the country. We are interdependent. In respect of private water companies, it is interesting to note, when people fight a battle to keep them in existence, that there are no private sewerage companies.]",HC Deb 16 November 1976 vol 919 cc1112-7,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Policy,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1976/nov/16/water-resources,,Proposal to restructure the water services and to create a strong national water authority.
74,16,11,1976,Autumn,16,11,1976,Autumn,"A reorganisation of water services within hydrological boundaries was proposed, and the establishment of a strong national water authority for developing a national strategy and with responsibility for national planning. [Mr. Howell: So far as the future structure of the industry is concerned, the Government believe that the drought abundantly confirms the validity of the proposals set out in the Consultation Document issued last March. Water services have to be organised within hydrological boundaries. But it is essential to establish a strong national water authority capable of developing a national strategy and with responsibility for national planning.]",HC Deb 16 November 1976 vol 919 cc1112-7,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Policy,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1976/nov/16/water-resources,,Proposal to restructure the water services and to create a strong national water authority.
75,16,11,1976,Autumn,16,11,1976,Autumn,"Commissioning a detailed study of the relative merits of forms of water rationing by standpipe and by rota cuts, of contingency plans for such action; of the operation of the Drought Act procedures and the preparation of a long-term strategy and water supply planning. [Mr. Howell: There are a number of lessons to be learned as a result of this year's experience. I am asking the National Water Council, in collaboration with my Department, to carry out a detailed study of the relative merits of different forms of water rationing by standpipe and by rota cuts; of contingency plans for such action; of the operation of the Drought Act procedures; and—as part of the preparation of a long-term strategy—of the criteria on which water supply planning is based.]",HC Deb 16 November 1976 vol 919 cc1112-7,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1976/nov/16/water-resources,,
76,16,11,1976,Autumn,16,11,1976,Autumn," 150 Drought Orders, 110 of them for augmentation of resources and 40 for limitations on water use, and the implementation of the Act. [Mr. Howell: It is worth noting that since the Act [the Drought Act] became law in early August, (…) there have been some 150 orders granted under the Act, 110 of them for augmentation of resources and 40 for limitations on water use, and the implementation of the Act proved to be crucial.]",HC Deb 16 November 1976 vol 919 cc1112-7,"England,Wales",,,,,SR,Regulation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1976/nov/16/water-resources,,
77,16,11,1976,Autumn,16,11,1976,Autumn,"The new powers conferred on water authorities by the Drought Act. Responses: the programme of emergency works carried out by the water authorities, involving improved inter-linkages within regions; the response by the public and by the industry to our appeal for economy in water use. [Mr. Howell: The fact that we were able to survive the worst drought since records began 250 years ago with no significant effect on industry and employment, though with hardship to some domestic consumers and some effect on food prices, is a reasonably satisfactory outcome to what seemed in the summer to be an extremely threatening situation. That we did survive this difficult period is largely due to three major factors—the programme of emergency works carried out by the water authorities, involving improved inter-linkages within regions; the response by the public and by industry to our appeal for economy in water use; and the wide use made of the new powers conferred on water authorities by the Drought Act.]",HC Deb 16 November 1976 vol 919 cc1112-7,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Legislation,"Water Supply, Economy",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1976/nov/16/water-resources,,"The drought's relatively minor effect on industry and employment, though with hardship to some domestic consumers and some effect on food prices."
78,10,12,1976,Winter,10,12,1976,Winter,"Discussion about the Water Charges Equalisation Act of 1977 [Mr. Denis Howell: The Water Charges Equalisation Bill provides for full equalisation of the unit cost per unmeasured property of the financing charges of each water authority which are attributable to capital expenditure incurred before 1st April 1976 in the provision of unmeasured water supply. It does not, for the reasons set out in the consultative document, operate directly on the charges to the consumer.]",HC Deb 10 December 1976 vol 922 cc395-6W,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1976/dec/10/water-charges,,
79,17,1,1976,Winter,17,1,1977,Winter,"General responsibilities for the water industry and the future prospects for water supply were exercised by the Minister for Sport and Recreation during and after the drought. [The Prime Minister: The hon. Member will have observed that the drought is now over, but my right hon. Friend [The Minister for Sport and Recreation] will continue to exercise general responsibilities for the water industry and particularly the future prospects for water supply.]",HC Deb 17 January 1977 vol 924 cc40-1W,"England,Wales",,,,,IR,Policy,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1977/jan/17/drought-ministers-duties,,
80,24,1,1977,Winter,24,1,1977,Winter,"No concentrated planning unit within the national water authority. Impact: anticipated establishment of a national strategy, national coordination and a national water authority. [Mr. Denis Howell:  Another reason why some of us opposed the 1973 Act was that it abolished the Water Resources Board, which was a central strategic planning unit. The water industry now has no such unit. It has instead a central unit within the Department of the Environment, but it is not concentrated, as it ought to be, within a national water authority. The Water Resources Board was an independent board that comprised eight people appointed by the Secretary of State.]",HC Deb 24 January 1977 vol 924 cc985-1102,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Policy,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1977/jan/24/water-charges-equalisation-bill,,"Legislation applied 1973 Act allowed for pricing variation, Water Act 1973 decentralized water resource management to some extent. It abolished the Water Resources Board, a central strategic planning unit for the water industry. Its functions were taken on by a central unit within the Department of the Environment. The Water Resources Board was an independent board, comprised of 8 people, appointed by the Secretary of State."
81,24,1,1977,Winter,24,1,1977,Winter,"Talks about the establishment of a national water authority. Why the Water Charges Equalisation Act 1977 was necessary: The Water Act 1973 took water out of local government control, so the rate support grant system was then no longer a mechanism through which financial subsidies could be given to those regional water suppliers who incurred particularly high costs for ensuring water security. [Mr. Howell: (…) the consequences flowing from local government reorganisation. Many people still do not realise that under the 1973 Act water was taken out of local government altogether. That is an important point, because until the 1973 Act an alternative way of dealing with the problem would have been to use the rate support grant system. Under that system weighting can be given to special factors, and it would have been possible, had water still been in the orbit of local government, to give special weighting to areas with high distribution charges, such as Wales, Norfolk and the South-West.]",HC Deb 24 January 1977 vol 924 cc985-1102,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1977/jan/24/water-charges-equalisation-bill,,"Legislation 1973 Act, which took water administration out of the local government altogether. This prevented a more effective action in dealing with the drought which would have given special weighting to area with high distribution charges. Structure of water industry: national or local/ decentralised levels."
82,24,1,1977,Winter,24,1,1977,Winter,"Discussion about the Water Charges Equalisation Act of 1977 [I should like to think that it would give me now the whole of my water reorganisation Bill, which is a very complex matter because it involves taking into public ownership many private companies.]",HC Deb 24 January 1977 vol 924 cc985-1102,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1977/jan/24/water-charges-equalisation-bill,,Regulators: National Water Council (to be introduced)
83,24,1,1977,Winter,24,1,1977,Winter,"This is a discussion in view of the Water Charges Bill which implies a reorganisation of the water industry to make it nationally coordinated. [Mr. Terence Higgins: The 1973 Act was concerned with raising charges. Quite explicitly, limits were put on the way in which those charges should be fixed by the water authorities. In particular, Section 30(4) says: ""In fixing charges for services, facilities or rights a water authority shall have regard to the cost of performing those services, providing those facilities or making available those rights."" It goes on to say in subsection (5): ""A water authority may make different charges for the same service, facility or right in different cases"" but that all authorities must ensure that ""their charges are such as not to show undue preference to, or discriminate unduly against, any class of persons."" This Bill discriminates heavily against different classes of persons and therefore, I believe, is not on all fours with the 1973 Act.]",HC Deb 24 January 1977 vol 924 cc985-1102,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1977/jan/24/water-charges-equalisation-bill,,Legislation: 1973 Act. Discussion about pricing
84,24,1,1977,Winter,24,1,1977,Winter,"Discussion about the Water Charges Equalisation Act of 1977 [Mr. Ronald Bell (Beaconsfield): The water authorities are enabled and enjoined to raise their revenue by rates on the public. Under Clause 4 of the Bill, the levy which a water authority is required to pay shall be treated as an addition to the costs of the authority in that year. Therefore, what the Secretary of State will be doing, quite directly through the statutory channels, is raising the water rates of people in the areas of the authorities concerned. It will be done (…) not for the purpose of defraying any charge but for purposes of political and social policy. In my submission, that is a tax and it therefore requires a Financial Resolution. In that respect it is quite different from the category, to which my hon. Friend the Member for Tiverton (Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop) referred, of the marketing boards, where, of course, the purpose is commercial.]",HC Deb 24 January 1977 vol 924 cc985-1102,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1977/jan/24/water-charges-equalisation-bill,,Water Pricing: Discussion about the Water Charges Equalisation Act 1977
85,24,1,1977,Winter,24,1,1977,Winter,"Discussion about the Water Charges Equalisation Act of 1977 [Mr. Denis Howell: The Bill is based upon the need for more equitable charges, without which it would be extremely difficult if not impossible to develop a national strategy for water and the national ownership of water as forecast in the Green Paper published last year. The reasons for the Bill result directly from the effect in practice of the 1973 Act. Some hon. Members opposed that Act because they foresaw the considerable administrative difficulties and the haphazard national organisation that would flow from it.]",HC Deb 24 January 1977 vol 924 cc985-1102,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1977/jan/24/water-charges-equalisation-bill,,Water Pricing: Discussion about the Water Charges Equalisation Act 1977
86,24,1,1977,Winter,24,1,1977,Winter," Discussion about the Water Charges Equalisation Act of 1977. Howell argues that the 1976 drought showed that this bill is essential. [The PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE, DEPARTMENT of the ENVIRONMENT (Baroness Birk): A drought, as the noble Lord, Lord Sandford, stated, even if it occurs rarely, re-emphasises the need for a strategic approach to the conservation, development and redeployment of resources. This will be one of the key tasks of the National Water Authority.]",HC Deb 24 January 1977 vol 924 cc985-1102,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1977/jan/24/water-charges-equalisation-bill,,Water Pricing: Discussion about the Water Charges Equalisation Act 1977
87,24,1,1977,Winter,24,1,1977,Winter,Discussion about the Water Charges Equalisation Act of 1977 [Mr. Roberts: The debate has clearly established that the disparity in water charges is due not to varying degrees of efficiency on the part of the water authorities but to the differing costs of distribution to rural and urban communities and the different times when those costs were initially incurred and money borrowed.],HC Deb 24 January 1977 vol 924 cc985-1102,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1977/jan/24/water-charges-equalisation-bill,,Structure of the water industry; Water Pricing discussions in the context of the Water Charges Equalisation Act 1977
88,24,1,1977,Winter,24,1,1977,Winter," Discussion about the Water Charges Equalisation Act of 1977 [Mr. Alec Jones: One of the reasons why sewerage is not included in the Bill is that there are wide variations in standards of treatment of sewage and it is, therefore, not a comparable matter to standards of water supply. Furthermore, water authorities, whilst being fairly self-sufficient in terms of sewage disposal, are to a larger or lesser degree interdependent for water supplies. An alternative to the scheme—the Daniel Committee offered this option—is that the pricing of water should be done on a commercial basis. (…) The water authority took legal opinion on this matter, and that opinion stated: The Welsh authority can, by an agreement made under Section 12 of the Water Act 1945 (...) lawfully make a charge on the English authority for the bulk supply which exceeds the cost of providing that supply. If that policy were implemented, bang would go all prospect of transferring water on a no-profit, no-loss basis, and bang would go all prospect of co-operation between water authorities in building new or extending existing reservoirs.]",HC Deb 24 January 1977 vol 924 cc985-1102,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1977/jan/24/water-charges-equalisation-bill,,Structure of the water industry; Water Pricing discussions in the context of the Water Charges Equalisation Act 1977
89,7,3,1977,Spring,7,3,1977,Spring,"Discussion about the Water Charges Equalisation Act of 1977 [Mr. Denis Howell: The Water Act 1973 obliges water authorities to break even on revenue account, taking one year with another. My right hon. Friend sets a limit on capital expenditure by water authorities each year, but their revenue spending is not subject to his control. It is for each authority to decide what levels of expenditure are necessary to discharge their functions; to set their charges at the levels required to meet their statutory obligation to break even; and to justify those charges to the public. All water authority budgets are subject to scrutiny by the Price Commission.]",HC Deb 07 March 1977 vol 927 cc390-1W,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1977/mar/07/water-and-sewerage-charges,,Regulator: Price Commission. Discussion about capital expenditure by water authorities.
90,15,3,1977,Spring,15,3,1977,Spring,"A national water grid [One of the points which emerged last year when plans were being laid for a national water grid through which water could be transferred from one part of the country to another at a time of shortage was that this raised severe problems for anglers who were interested in migratory fish such as salmon, sea trout and so forth. No one fully understands how salmon return to the rivers of their birth, but many anglers are afraid that if a national water grid is introduced, it might disturb the natural pattern, and the opportunity to fish for migratory fish would be reduced accordingly.]",HC Deb 15 March 1977 vol 928 cc333-40,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Policy,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1977/mar/15/water-supply,,"The impact of the prospective national water grid on the fishing,"
91,15,3,1977,Spring,15,3,1977,Spring,"Putting standpipes in the streets in various constituencies. [Mr. Mike Noble (Rossendale): I do not suppose that the public ever paid as much regard to the supply of water as they did last year. In my constituency standpipes were put up in the streets—it was one of the few constituencies in the North-West where that happened. A great deal of attention was devoted to the problem at the time, and considerable groups have emerged since then. They deal with the problems facing industry and how it would continue with a shortage of water, with the problems facing the consumer, and with the problems facing anglers.]",HC Deb 15 March 1977 vol 928 cc333-40,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Policy,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1977/mar/15/water-supply,,Impact on the industry and the economy overall
92,15,3,1977,Spring,15,3,1977,Spring,"A plan to build a national grid system, and a large dam. [Mr. Caerwyn E. Roderick (Brecon and Radnor): In view of our experiences of the last 12 months and particularly last summer's drought, does my hon. Friend think that a decision on the size of the dam should be taken by the two water authorities, which will be able to get the water they need from the smaller dam, when other parts of the country could ultimately benefit from the project? (…) In view of the wider considerations, if we are to move towards a national grid system, the Craig Goch project would be central to that system. In that sense we would move away from the idea of constructing a series of small dams all over the country and instead we could build a much larger dam which would disturb many fewer people.]",HC Deb 15 March 1977 vol 928 cc333-40,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Policy,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1977/mar/15/water-supply,,Potential Impact
93,16,3,1977,Spring,16,3,1977,Spring,"Regulator: Regional water authorities; Commentary on the structure of the water industry [Mr. Hodgson: The private water companies act as the authorities' agents for the supply of water in their areas. The regional water authority is responsible for the control and development of the water resources of the region, including those on which the companies depend. In other words, the strategic plan for the region covered by the regional water authority will be affected by the equalisation levy, but the tactical supply of specific areas covered by statutory water undertakings will not be affected.]",HC Deb 16 March 1977 vol 928 cc547-65,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1977/mar/16/qualisation-levies-payable-by-certain,,Regulator: Regional water authorities; Commentary on the structure of the water industry
94,22,3,1977,Spring,22,3,1977,Spring,"Water Authorities' Expenditure and Capital Investment [Mr. Denis Howell: The Government decided last December to reduce the capital investment programmes of regional water authorities for 1977–78 by £63–8 million, and those for 1978–79 by £110–5 million. As a means to achieving those reductions, I asked the authorities to suspend temporarily the letting of contracts for new construction. I am grateful to them for their co-operation. Their response during the first three months has been so effective that I am satisfied that the required reduction in expenditure can be achieved without continuing the total ban, and I am informing the regional water authorities that they may now resume the letting of contracts while keeping within their reduced expenditure programmes.]",HC Deb 22 March 1977 vol 928 c519W,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Regulation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1977/mar/22/water-authorities-expenditure,,Water Authorities' Expenditure and Capital Investment
95,19,4,1977,Spring,19,4,1977,Spring," Impact (Anticipated): Water Charges Equalisation Act 1977 [Baroness Birk: There has been particular concern in Wales, where charges have been well above the national average. I thought that that would please my noble friend Lady White. This concern led the Government to set up the Daniel Committee to look at the whole question of disparities of charges between England and Wales. The Committee reported in March 1975 with the main recommendation that: Early action should be taken to reduce the difference in average water charges between the Welsh National Water Development Authority and other authorities"". The Government responded to the Daniel Report by bringing forward their promised review of the water industry with particular reference to the question of variations in charges. As a result of preliminary work on the review, the Government published a Consultative Document in March 1976 which announced a firm commitment to a national measure for the equalisation of charges between different water authorities. The Bill before us today provides for an equalisation scheme on the lines of that discussed in the Consultative Document. (…) This concern led the Government to set up the Daniel Committee to look at the whole question of disparities of charges between England and Wales.]",HL Deb 19 April 1977 vol 382 cc84-117,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1977/apr/19/water-charges-equalisation-bill,,Regulators: Welsh National Water Development Authority. Deliberations about the reorganisation of the water industry and water pricing changes.
96,19,4,1977,Spring,19,4,1977,Spring,"Discussion about the Water Charges Equalisation Act of 1977 [Baroness Birk: Full equalisation of water bills—that is, a standard water bill for everyone—would remove the incentives each water authority now has to manage its own affairs in the most efficient and economical manner. Authorities could in that event simply spend in the knowledge that others would have to foot the bill. There would in fact be good reason to be inefficient because keeping bills below the national average would mean paying money over to other authorities. So for this reason we have deliberately confined our scheme to affect only that part of an authority's costs which is largely outside their control: that is, its legacy of past capital expenditure in the shape of depreciation and interest charges. The scheme is confined to the area where the need is greatest: unmeasured, mainly domestic, water supply.]",HL Deb 19 April 1977 vol 382 cc84-117,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1977/apr/19/water-charges-equalisation-bill,,Water pricing equalisation. Discussion about investment and capital expenditure by the water authorities
97,19,4,1977,Spring,19,4,1977,Spring,"The absence of planning water resources for the country as a whole. Impact (Anticipated): Water Charges Equalisation Act 1977 [Baroness Birk: The drought of last year brought home in a forceful way the importance of planning water resources for the country as a whole. Indeed, I think it is the first time for several hundred years that we had to think along these lines so far as water was concerned. It showed the interdependence of water authorities and the need for areas of relative plenty to help areas of relative scarcity.]",HL Deb 19 April 1977 vol 382 cc84-117,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1977/apr/19/water-charges-equalisation-bill,,"Water pricing equalisation, structure of the water industry, reorganisation of the water industry"
98,19,4,1977,Spring,19,4,1977,Spring,"The absence of a national strategy and each water authority conceiving itself in isolation of a national water system. Impact (Anticipated): The Water Charges Equalisation Act 1977 [Baroness Birk: If every water authority tried to be self-sufficient, there would be a very real danger that too many small uneconomic reservoirs would be built in the wrong places. This would mean a substantial waste of scarce resources, environmental damage and, above all, higher bills for everybody. The alternative is to aim at a sensible national strategy. But in developing this strategy it is of cardinal importance that authorities should be able to obtain water from other areas at no more than the price it costs to store and convey the water. The Government's policy is that all water transfers should be made on a ""no profit/no loss"" basis, and we intend to see that this remains the case. The fact is, however, that there is a genuine sense of grievance in Wales about high levels of charges. We have concluded that if the ""no profit/no loss"" principle is to be maintained some action is necessary to reduce charge disparities.]",HL Deb 19 April 1977 vol 382 cc84-117,"England,Wales",,,,,DI,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1977/apr/19/water-charges-equalisation-bill,,"Water pricing equalisation, structure of the water industry, reorganisation of the water industry"
99,19,4,1977,Spring,19,4,1977,Spring,"Discussion about the Water Charges Equalisation Act of 1977 & about the feasibility of a national water grid. [Lord SANDFORD: Many people who talk about a national water strategy almost immediately go on to talk as though a national water grid were a feasible proposition, as it is with gas and electricity. That is really not so and that is the reason why, so far—it is conceivable that it might happen one day—water from Scotland, which is in abundant supply, is not transferred to England and Wales. It is not practical to do so.]",HL Deb 19 April 1977 vol 382 cc84-117,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1977/apr/19/water-charges-equalisation-bill,,The structure of the water industry. The speaker recognises its specificities in comparison with the gas and electricity industries.
100,19,4,1977,Spring,19,4,1977,Spring,"Discussion about the Water Charges Equalisation Act of 1977 [Lord SOMERLEYTON: The water companies, pioneers in the water supply industry in this country, form an integral part of the industry. They work efficiently and harmoniously with the regional water authorities in whose regions they operate. They make an effective contribution to the manning of national and regional committees dealing with the salaries and the conditions of service of the whole industry, including sewage and river operations. They participate in water research and in training, and they bear their full share of the cost of these important functions. During the recent drought none of the companies had occasion to operate standpipes in the streets; and, as full members of the club, they were content to make their proportionate contribution to the cost of the National Water Council's nationwide campaign for saving water (…).]",HL Deb 19 April 1977 vol 382 cc84-117,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1977/apr/19/water-charges-equalisation-bill,,Regulators: Regional Water Authorities. The structure of the water industry
101,7,3,1984,Spring,7,3,1984,Spring,A discussion about the public’s admission to water companies’ meeting [Mr. Gow None of the regional water authorities opens its board meetings to the public or the press. The Welsh water authority has decided to do so for a trial period of 12 months. Several authorities open their land drainage committees to the press. Mr. Powell: Surely the Minister should remind his right hon. Friend of that and ensure that the Water Act 1983 is so amended as to allow the public and the press admission to those meetings. Mr. Gow: (...) the Welsh water authority is the only one that admits the press.],HC Deb 07 March 1984 vol 55 cc843-5,"England,Wales",UKL,,,,R,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/mar/07/regional-water-authorities-meetings,Welsh Water,Transparency within water companies' decisions/ public accountability
102,7,3,1984,Spring,7,3,1984,Spring,"Pricing & transparency within water companies [Mr. Holt Does my hon. Friend agree that if the press were permitted to go to Thames water authority meetings, as it was when I was a member of the authority, it would be astounded to learn that this year four firms and two banks between them will be able to save over £300,000 by virtue of metering and that everyone who pays water rates in the region is having to pay 3 per cent. extra in water rates as a result of industry and commerce being able to meter their water inflow?]",HC Deb 07 March 1984 vol 55 cc843-5,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/mar/07/regional-water-authorities-meetings,Thames Water,Transparency within water companies' decisions; pricing; public accountability
103,7,3,1984,Spring,7,3,1984,Spring,"Establishment of new consultative arrangements due to 1983 Water Act [Mr. Gow The introduction of metered water is desirable and is an option available to most domestic customers. In the Thames water authority, as in others, there will be a consumers consultative council. The Act reached the statute book only 10 months ago and the new consultative arrangements should work well.]",HC Deb 07 March 1984 vol 55 cc843-5,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/mar/07/regional-water-authorities-meetings,Thames Water,Transparency; new consultative arrangements for public accountability
104,7,3,1984,Spring,7,3,1984,Spring,"New public consultative arrangements [Mr. Waller Is it not significant that hardly any of those involved in the synthetic campaign about the water authorities attended the meetings when they were open to the public? Is it not a fact that when the meetings were open to the public the attempt to combine accountability and business-like methods was a failure, as many of our constituents would agree? Mr. Gow I agree with my hon. Friend. We believe that the change in the arrangements that we have made will lead to more efficient water authorities and that the new consultative councils will give an opportunity for the proper participation of consumers in that organisation.]",HC Deb 07 March 1984 vol 55 cc843-5,"England,Wales",,,,,,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/mar/07/regional-water-authorities-meetings,,New public consultation arrangements
105,7,3,1984,Spring,7,3,1984,Spring,Water company’s debt and pricing [Mr. Wrigglesworth Is the Minister aware that there is one announcement to the press which the consumers of Northumbrian water authority wish had never been made—the increase in the rate this year of 18 per cent? Is the Minister aware that this rise results largely from the 845 borrowings of the water authority which were made to satisfy the needs of the industry in the area? Why has he not been prepared to respond to the requests of the water authority to restructure its debts so that the grossly unfair burden on the domestic ratepayer is reduced?],HC Deb 07 March 1984 vol 55 cc843-5,England,UKC,UKC2,UKC21,,,Report [Audit],Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/mar/07/regional-water-authorities-meetings,Northumbrian Water,Debt and pricing
106,7,3,1984,Spring,7,3,1984,Spring,"Pricing/ Regulation/ Debt [Mr. Ryman That answer simply will not do. The truth of the matter is, as the Minister well knows, that the Northumbrian water authority has increased domestic water charges for residents in Northumbria by an enormous amount, and the users of water in Northumberland have no remedy against excessive charges. Why on earth do the Government not do something about this other than altering the law for the appointment of members to the Northumbrian water authority?]",HC Deb 07 March 1984 vol 55 cc843-5,England,UKC,UKC2,UKC21,,P,Report [Audit],Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/mar/07/regional-water-authorities-meetings,Northumbrian Water,Pricing/ regulation/ debt
107,13,3,1984,Spring,13,3,1984,Spring,Northumbrian water authority was audited; new targets of efficiency set. [Mr. Waldegrave The consultants who reviewed the Northumbrian budgets for 1981–82 and 1982–83 reported favourably on its efficiency. The performance aims agreed with the authority for 1983–84 resulted in a 4 per cent. reduction in real operating costs compared with 1979–80. (...) we have now agreed a new performance aim with the chairman which will reduce real operating costs by a further 5 per cent. The authority's manpower has decreased by 20 per cent. since March 1979.],HC Deb 13 March 1984 vol 56 cc94-5W,England,UKC,UKC2,UKC21,,P,Report [Audit],Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/mar/13/northumbrian-water-authority,Northumbrian Water,"Budget, loans, efficiency targets, expenditure"
108,13,3,1984,Spring,13,3,1984,Spring,"Northumbrian water authority’s expenditure [Mr. Wrigglesworth asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the increase in Northumbrian water authority's expenditure in real and percentage terms, excluding debt charges, in each of the past five years. §Mr. Waldegrave The following table shows the percentages increases in Northumbrian water authority's revenue expenditure, excluding interest, for the years 1978–79 to 1982–83:Financial year Per cent. increase Per cent. increase (deflated by RPI): 1978–79 36.3 26.3; 1979–80 20.3 9.3; 1980–81 23.7 1.6; 1981–82 12.5 0.4; 1982–83 6.5 (-2.6).]",HC Deb 13 March 1984 vol 56 cc94-5W,England,UKC,UKC2,UKC21,,,Report [Audit],Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/mar/13/northumbrian-water-authority,Northumbrian Water,"Budget, loans, efficiency targets, expenditure"
109,13,3,1984,Spring,13,3,1984,Spring,Loans issued to Northumbrian water authority [Mr. Wrigglesworth asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what applications for loan sanctions have been made by the Northumbrian water authority in each of the past 10 years; and which of these the Government has approved. §Mr. Waldegrave The system of capital approvals has altered over the last ten years. But the loans actually issued to the Northumbrian water authority (excluding short-term bridging loans) were as follows: Year Number of Loans Total Amounts (£ millions); 1974–75 6 35.7; 1975–76 10 41.0; 1976–77 8 38.3; 1977–78 5 38.2; 1978–79 5 33.9; 1979–80 9 41.3; 1980–81 19 58.0; 1981–82 15 63.1; 1982–83 15 81.5 1983–84* 4.],HC Deb 13 March 1984 vol 56 cc94-5W,England,UKC,UKC2,UKC21,,P,Report [Audit],Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/mar/13/northumbrian-water-authority,Northumbrian Water,"Budget, loans, efficiency targets, expenditure"
110,13,3,1984,Spring,13,3,1984,Spring ,"Debt & revenue per each English water authority [Mr. Wrigglesworth asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proportion of the costs of each English water authority, excluding Northumbria, arise from servicing debts. §Mr. Waldegrave In 1982–83, interest payments expressed as a percentage of revenue income were as follows: Water authority Percentage North West 28.2 Severn-Trent 25.6 Yorkshire 23.6 Anglian 34.8 Thames 11.0 Southern 23.0 Wessex 25.6 South West 20.1]",HC Deb 13 March 1984 vol 56 c96W,England,,,,,P,Report [Water authority],Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/mar/13/water-authorities-costs,,Debt & revenue per each English water authority
111,13,3,1984,Spring,13,3,1984,Spring ,"Northumbrian water authority servicing debts [Mr. Wriggleworth asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proportion of the costs of the Northumbrian water authority arise from servicing debts. §Mr. Waldegrave In the financial year 1982–83, interest payments represented 47.7 per cent. of the revenue income.]",HC Deb 13 March 1984 vol 56 c96W,England,UKC,UKC2,UKC21,,P,Report [Water authority],Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/mar/13/water-authorities-costs,Northumbrian Water,Northumbrian water authority servicing debts
112,13,3,1984,Spring,13,3,1984,Spring ,Costs to industrial consumers [§Mr. Wrigglesworth: asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to increase the share of water authority costs to be paid by industrial consumers. §Mr. Waldegrave : We have no plans to do so.],HC Deb 13 March 1984 vol 56 c94W94W,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/mar/13/water-industrial-consumers,,Cost for industrial consumers;  Potential Impact
113,13,3,1984,Spring,13,3,1984,Spring ,"Welsh water authority’s costs & debt [Mr. Wrigglesworth asked the Secretary of State for Wales what proportion of the costs of the Welsh water authority arise from servicing debts. §Mr. Wyn Roberts I refer the hon. Gentleman to the 9th annual report of the Welsh water authority, which was laid before the House on 26 October 1983—a copy of which is in the Library. Part 12 contains the authority's 1982–83 annual accounts which gives full details of income and expenditure. Interest charged in the profit and loss account was £48,776,000 and represented approximately 30 per cent. of the total charged to that account.]",HC Deb 13 March 1984 vol 56 c121W,Wales,UKL,,,,P,Report [Water authority],Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/mar/13/welsh-water-authority,Welsh Water,Welsh water authority’s costs & debt
114,15,3,1984,Spring,15,3,1984,Spring,Northumbrian water’s loans [Mr. Waldegrave: the authority has received grants from the European regional development fund amounting to £46.85 millions and loans from the European Investment Bank and European Coal and Steel Community totalling some £142 million.],HC Deb 15 March 1984 vol 56 cc256-8W,England,UKC,UKC2,UKC21,,P,Report [Water authority],Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/mar/15/northumbrian-water-authority,Northumbrian Water,Northumbrian Water's loans
115,20,3,1984,Spring,20,3,1984,Spring,"Welsh water authority’s financial target [Mr. Nicholas Edwards Under section 29(2) of the Water Act 1973, as amended, I shall shortly be laying the appropriate order setting the rate of return required on the net revalued assets of the Welsh water authority at 1.25 per cent. for 1984–85. I would also advise that in consultation with the chairman of the Welsh water authority and in the light of its continuing programme of cost-cutting efforts, I have set a performance aim for 1984–85 of £101.3 million. This represents the operating costs for all the authority's services and is a reduction in real terms of some 2.9 per cent. over the expected outturn figure for 1983–84.]",HC Deb 20 March 1984 vol 56 c437W,Wales,UKL,,,,R,Report [Water authority],Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/mar/20/welsh-water-authority,Welsh Water,Welsh water authority’s financial target
116,2,4,1984,Spring,2,4,1984,Spring,"Public consultation under the 1983 Water Act [Lord Dean of Beswick: TTo ask her Majesty's Government what guidelines are being issued to the new water authorities, regarding the admission of press and public to their meetings. Lord Skelmersdale None, my Lords. However, the water authority chairmen follow a code of practice to  let the press know in advance the items to be discussed at a meeting of the authority, and to hold a press conference after each meeting to explain policies and decisions, and to answer questions. When consumer consultative committees and regional recreation and conservation committees are established this summer under Section 7 of the Water Act 1983, the press and the public will be able to attend their meetings.]",HL Deb 02 April 1984 vol 450 cc471-4,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1984/apr/02/water-authorities-admission-to-meetings,,Public consultation and the cost of water services
117,2,4,1984,Spring,2,4,1984,Spring,"Public consultation and the cost of water services [Lord Dean of Beswick: (...) the total financial responsibilities of these authorities, taking into account current expenditure and capital expenditure or revenue, are nearly £3 billion? In a day and age when people are asking for more say in their own affairs, does he really think that these bodies should be able to meet in camera and take decisions about such sums, which are actually public funds, without the public and the press being aware of what the decision is about at the time it is being made?]",HL Deb 02 April 1984 vol 450 cc471-4,"England,Wales",,,,,,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1984/apr/02/water-authorities-admission-to-meetings,,Public consultation and the cost of water services
118,2,4,1984,Spring,2,4,1984,Spring,"Public accountability of water companies [Lord Skelmersdale (...) the Government decided that the old way of organising water authorities was no longer appropriate and therefore used the Water Act 1983 to set up new small executive boards like those of major private sector companies. I really cannot describe them as meeting in camera, following the tone of the noble Lord's remarks, because of course they are fully accountable to the Secretary of State, who is himself fully accountable to Parliament. Lord Skelmersdale: (...) I do not see that, with the structure as we now have it under the Water Act 1983, the water authorities can be described as a public body in the way that that Act describes them.]",HL Deb 02 April 1984 vol 450 cc471-4,"England,Wales",,,,,,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1984/apr/02/water-authorities-admission-to-meetings,,Public consultation and the cost of water services
119,4,4,1984,Spring,4,4,1984,Spring,"Water metering and pricing - a general discussion rather than one linked to any particular drought episode [Mr. Holt: Does my hon. Friend accept that there are many domestic water ratepayers who are appalled to learn that institutions and banks can save astronomical sums of money by going over to metering and that they then have to bear the cost of that? What will the Government do to reduce the amount of money having to be paid by water ratepayers, particularly in the light of the advertisement appearing in the CBI News, encouraging all firms to go over to metering, when that money will have to be made up by the domestic ratepayer, who is currently unable to have any form of rebate? Mr. Gow (...): The Government believe that it is right that the charge should reflect the use that is made by the consumer and that, in many cases, particularly with industrial and commercial premises, it is much fairer to charge on a metered basis rather than on the basis of rateable value.]",HC Deb 04 April 1984 vol 57 cc952-3,"England,Wales",,,,,,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/apr/04/water-rates,,Water metering and pricing
120,8,5,1984,Spring,8,5,1984,Spring,"Northumbrian water debts [Mr. Gow: (…) The difficulties which Northumbrian water faces today arise principally from two circumstances. First, the authority borrowed heavily in the 1970s to finance major projects, including not only Kielder but the Tyneside sewerage scheme. As a result, the authority's debt stands at over £350 million and interest payments of about £50 million a year have to be met.]",HC Deb 08 May 1984 vol 59 cc859-64,England,UKC,UKC2,UKC21,,P,Report [Water authority],Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/may/08/northumbrian-water-authority,Northumbrian Water,Northumbrian water debts
121,1,5,1984,Spring,1,5,1984,Spring,"State change in North-west and South-West England [§Mr. Hayward asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what statistical information he obtains from water authorities about the levels of impounded water stocks in each region; and how often such information is updated; (2) if any restrictions are currently in operation in any part of England and Wales on the use of water; (3) what information he has as to which water authorities have impounded water stocks which are currently 10 per cent below the equivalent levels for 1983. §Mr. Waldegrave: (…) latest report dated 25 April indicates that as winter rain was generally at or above normal, reservoir and groundwater resources in England and Wales are in good shape except for some small reservoirs in the north-west with lower than normal levels. The water authority there is drawing on alternative supplies. I am not aware of any restrictions applying to public water supplies, though I am advised that some local distribution problems have been encountered in the south-west, where demand is 15 to 20 per cent up on average.]",HC Deb 01 May 1984 vol 59 c112W 112W,England,UKD,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/may/01/water,,
122,8,5,1984,Spring,8,5,1984,Spring,"The Impact of the Water Act 1983 on the water industry’s business model [Their budgets have been reviewed by consultants, there have been two reports from the Monopolies and Mergers Commission and most recently the Water Act 1983 has established smaller more business-like boards. There has been a most encouraging response from the industry and real progress is being made. For the industry as a whole, there has been a reduction of over 13 per cent in manpower since 1979 and performance last year met the targets agreed with the Government. Performance aims for the three-year period to 1986–87 have recently been agreed and these will secure a reduction in operating costs of about 7 per cent in real terms since 1979–80.]",HC Deb 08 May 1984 vol 59 cc859-64,"England,Wales",,,,,,Report [Water authority],Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/may/08/northumbrian-water-authority,,The Impact of the Water Act 1983 on the water industry’s business model
123,8,5,1984,Spring,8,5,1984,Spring,Northumbrian water’s economic efficiency [The Northumbrian water authority has made significant progress in achieving greater efficiency. The consultants who reviewed its budgets for 1981–82 and 1982–83 reported favourably on the authority's efficiency. The performance aim agreed with the authority for 1983–84 resulted in a 4 per cent reduction in real operating costs.],HC Deb 08 May 1984 vol 59 cc859-64,England,UKC,UKC2,UKC21,,,Report [Water authority],Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/may/08/northumbrian-water-authority,Northumbrian Water,Northumbrian water’s economic efficiency
124,18,5,1984,Spring,18,5,1984,Spring,"Response and State change [Mr. Hayward asked the Secretary of State for the Environment which water authorities have imposed either bans or restrictions on the use of water; and whether he is aware of any other authorities intending to take such action in the immediate future. §Mr. Waldegrave: The South West water authority imposed bans on the use of hosepipes in areas affecting 260,000 consumers from 12 May 1984. Further hosepipe bans by this water authority will affect another 93,800 consumers from 19 May. I am not aware of any other water authorities in England intending to take similar action in the immediate future, but the water supply situation continues to be monitored with a view to taking appropriate measures if the dry weather continues.]",HC Deb 18 May 1984 vol 60 c290W,England,UKK,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/may/18/water-restrictions,,
125,4,6,1984,Summer,4,6,1984,Summer,"Pressure (Government supports more water metering initiatives) [§Mr. Maclean asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has given any guidance to water authorities on the availability of water meters in commercial and domestic property; and if he will make a statement. §Mr. Waldegrave Since 1981, the Government have supported the initiative by the water authorities to extend the offer of metering to all their customers. In particular, we have welcomed their decision to allow water meters to be installed inside properties where this is practicable. All water authorities have produced helpful explanatory material which is available on request to anyone considering this option.]",HC Deb 04 June 1984 vol 61 c19W 19W,"England,Wales",,,,,P,Policy,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/jun/04/water-meters,,
126,4,6,1984,Summer,4,6,1984,Summer,"State change, if considered in connection to the consultations mentioned above. Connections between water authorities and industrial connections[§Mr. Ernie Roberts asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many members of each water authority have industrial connections; and if he will list them. §Mr. Waldegrave I consider that at least 60 members of regional water authorities have industrial connections, but I do not propose to give a list whose length must depend on a subjective judgment. §Mr. Ernie Roberts asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation providing for public access to meetings of water authorities; and if he will make a statement. §Mr. Waldegrave No. The Water Act 1983 allowed water authorities to decide whether to admit the public to their meetings.]",HC Deb 04 June 1984 vol 61 c23W 23W,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/jun/04/water-authorities,,Connections between water authorities and industrial connections
127,13,6,1984,Summer,13,6,1984,Summer,"Pricing for water services [Mr. Waldegrave Increases in water service charges are mainly influenced by movements in revenue costs and general inflation, rather than by borrowing limits, which are fixed having regard to a number of factors, one of which is the level of investment in water services that the Government intends. It is too early to estimate what will be the increase in water services charges for 1985–86.]",HC Deb 13 June 1984 vol 61 cc497-8W,"England,Wales",,,,,,Report [Water authority],Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/jun/13/water-rates,,Pricing for water services
128,20,6,1984,Summer,20,6,1984,Summer,"Public accountability for water authorities under the Water Act 1983, the discussion is general and cannot be linked to any particular drought episodes [Lord Skelmersdale: My Lords, my right honourable friend announced most of the membership of the newly constituted boards of the regional water authorities last September, and five additional members were announced during the following months. Your Lordships' House was promised during the passage of the Water Act 1983 that between two and four members of each authority would be drawn from local government nominations. Out of a total of 114 appointees, 32 are also serving members of local authorities; no regional authority has fewer than two councillors among its membership; one has six.]",HL Deb 20 June 1984 vol 453 cc285-7,"England,Wales",,,,,,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1984/jun/20/water-boards-membership,,Public accountability for water authorities under the Water Act 1983
129,26,6,1984,Summer,26,6,1984,Summer,"Response [§Mr. Hayward asked the Secretary of State for Wales what applications have been made by the Welsh water authority under the Drought Act 1976 in 1984 to date; and what decisions have been taken. §Mr. Wyn Roberts Applications under sections 1 and 3, where relevant, of the Drought Act 1976 have been received from the Welsh water authority in respect of Taf Fechan and Llwyn-on reservoirs; river Wye at Monmouth pumping station; river Usk at Rhadyr and Llantrisant; Teifi and Egnant reservoirs; Cwymstradl yn reservoir; Ffynnon Llugwy reservoir; river Gwyrfai and Llyn Cwellyn; Llyn Bodlyn and Llyn Eiddew Mawr. Orders have to date been made in respect of the Taf Fechan and Llwyn-on reservoirs, the river Wye at Monmouth pumping station and the river Usk at Rhadyr and Llantrisant.]",HC Deb 26 June 1984 vol 62 c391W 391W,Wales,UKL,,,,R,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/jun/26/drought-act-1976,,
130,26,6,1984,Summer,26,6,1984,Summer,"State change [Mr. Hayward asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on water supplies in Scotland. Mr. Ancram: Reservoir levels and river flows in Scotland are generally lower than usual for this time of year. A few hosepipe bans are in force, or under consideration, mainly as precautionary measures, in some rural areas. The position is, however, at present satisfactory and is not causing the water authorities undue concern.]",HC Deb 26 June 1984 vol 62 c401W 401W,Scotland,UKM,,,,SR,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/jun/26/water-supplies,,
131,26,6,1984,Summer,26,7,1984,Summer,"State change [Mr. Hayward asked the Secretary of State for Wales what restrictions on the use of water are currently in operation in Wales. Mr. Wyn Roberts: As at 21 June 1984 the Welsh water authority had imposed bans on the use of hosepipes and garden sprinklers in the following areas: Dee and Clwyd division—Clwyd coastal area imminent; the Gower division except for the area supplied from the Towy scheme; in the Gwynedd division, the Dwyfor and Arfon districts and Merionydd district except for the Bala area, lying in the Dee and Clwyd division; the whole of the Taff and Usk divisions; the West Wales division except for that part of Preseli district south of and including Haverfordwest and that part of South Pembrokeshire district south of  Lawrennydeffreyston/East Williamston and including Amroth and that area of the Wye division in south-east Gwent from Monmouth southwards.The WWA has made repeated appeals through the news media for a general reduction in consumption throughout its area, as well as strongly publicising the bans on the use of hosepipes and garden sprinklers. The first such ban became operational on 14 May 1984.]",HC Deb 26 June 1984 vol 62 cc390-1W 390W,Wales,UKL,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/jun/26/water-restrictions,Welsh Water,
132,26,6,1984,Summer,26,7,1984,Summer,"State change [Mr. Hayward asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what restrictions on the use of water are currently in operation in England. Mr. Gow: Three water authorities in England have imposed bans on the use of hosepipes in parts of their areas under section 16 of the Water Act 1945: Water Authority Approximately number of consumers affected North West 80,000 Yorkshire 570,000 South West 1,150,000. ]",HC Deb 26 June 1984 vol 62 cc396-7W 396W,England,UKE,,,,SR,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/jun/26/water-restrictions-1,,
133,26,6,1984,Summer,26,7,1984,Summer,Response [Mr. Hayward asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what applications have been made by water authorities in England to him under the Drought Act 1976 in 1984 to date; and what decisions he has taken. Mr. Gow Water authorities in England have made applications this summer for orders authorising the augmentation of water resources as follows: Source Area served Present position South West Water Authority Stithians Reservoir South Cornwall Order made on 22 June Challacombe Reservoir North Devon Hearing arranged for 28 June River Taw below Taw Marsh Meldon Reservoir North Devon/North Cornwall Application advertised Objection period ends 28 June Upper Tamar Lake North West Water Authority Ennerdale Water Whitehaven Order made on 7 June Ashworth Moor Reservoir Rochdale Order made on 19 June Clewbridge Reservoir Bury Order made on 19 June Cowpe Reservoir Delph Reservoir Blackburn/Bolton Order made on 19 June Wayoh Reservoir Jumbles Reservoir Laneshaw Reservoir Colne Application advertised Objection period ends 28 June.],HC Deb 26 June 1984 vol 62 cc396-7W 396W,England,UKK,,,,R,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/jun/26/water-restrictions-1,,
134,6,7,1984,Summer,6,7,1984,Summer,"State change [Mr. Ray Powell asked the Secretary of State for Wales what action he is taking to ensure that the Welsh water authority is not compelled to ration water. Mr. Wyn Roberts The Welsh water authority has already taken, and will continue to take action to ensure continuing supplies of water throughout their area. I cannot however guarantee that in the event of the drought continuing, that rationing might not be needed.]",HC Deb 06 July 1984 vol 63 c300W 300W,Wales,UKL,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/jul/06/water-supplies,Welsh Water,
135,9,7,1984,Summer,9,7,1984,Summer,"State change [The Minister for Housing and Construction (Mr. Ian Gow): Since the drought of 1976, water resources have been augmented in many places and distribution systems improved, but demand has risen—in particular, the peak summer demand. To conserve supplies in the areas of shortage water authorities have prohibited the use of hosepipes, and these bans now affect some 9 million people.]",HC Deb 09 July 1984 vol 63 cc697-702,"England,Wales",,,,,SR,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/09/water-supplies,,
136,9,7,1984,Summer,9,7,1984,Summer,"Response [The Minister for Housing and Construction (Mr. Ian Gow): The Government have also made 18 orders under the Drought Act 1976, authorising water authorities and companies to augment supplies by reducing river levels. During a meeting with the chairman of the South West water authority on 23 May I confirmed that the Government expected water authorities to take early action to safeguard supplies. This advice was repeated to all water authorities on 6 June so as to avert the need for more drastic steps later on, such as rota cuts or supplies only from standpipes.]",HC Deb 09 July 1984 vol 63 cc697-702,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/09/water-supplies,,
137,9,7,1984,Summer,9,7,1984,Summer,"Response and State change [The Minister for Housing and Construction (Mr. Ian Gow): We shall as necessary make orders authorising water authorities and companies to prohibit other inessential uses of water. My Department will keep in close touch with all water authorities and companies, and I am asking those bodies to report to me on a weekly basis.]",HC Deb 09 July 1984 vol 63 cc697-702,"England,Wales",,,,,SR,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/09/water-supplies,,
138,9,7,1984,Summer,9,7,1984,Summer,State change [The Minister for Housing and Construction (Mr. Ian Gow): I urge everyone to use water responsibly. The water authorities and companies are best able to judge what economies are needed in their areas. I stress how important it is to comply with their advice and with the terms of any statutory limitations in force from time to time.],HC Deb 09 July 1984 vol 63 cc697-702,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/09/water-supplies,,
139,9,7,1984,Summer,9,7,1984,Summer,"Response [Mr. Hayward Is my right hon. Friend satisfied with the advice that he has been given, in the light of the fact that on 1 May this year I was told in a written parliamentary answer that water supplies were in good shape except for some small reservoirs in the northwest"".—[Official Report, 1 May 1984; Vol. 59, c. 112.] and yet restrictions now apply to 9 million people? If orders are to be made under the 1976 Act, will the cuts be applied first to industries, or to individual consumers?]",HC Deb 09 July 1984 vol 63 cc697-702,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/09/water-supplies,,Impact on the industry
140,9,7,1984,Summer,9,7,1984,Summer,"State change [Mr. Gow: It is the policy of the Government, the water authorities and the water companies that priority should be given to keeping supplies open to industry, and of course to agriculture. If it is necessary to impose further restrictions, I believe that the House and the country will think it right that the inessential use of water should be restricted.]",HC Deb 09 July 1984 vol 63 cc697-702,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/09/water-supplies,,Impact on the industry; agriculture
141,9,7,1984,Summer,9,7,1984,Summer,"State change [Dr. John Cunningham (Copeland): The Minister might be aware that the Opposition will neither blame him nor give him credit for the fine weather. The fact remains that 9 million people are now subject to some form of restriction in the use of water and, for many of them, water rationing cannot be far away.]",HC Deb 09 July 1984 vol 63 cc697-702,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/09/water-supplies,,
142,9,7,1984,Summer,9,7,1984,Summer,"Driver and pressure (poor planning in the water industry; budget cuts in development plans, insufficient investment) [Dr. John Cunningham (Copeland): Although the Government are not responsible for the weather, they are responsible for the financing and organisation of the water industry. How much longer must we tell people in the south-west, the north-west and Wales —it is always the same areas—that they must suffer such restrictions? Why is there poor planning in the water industry, Government cuts in development plans for water supply and imposition of external financing limits by the Government on the water industry in the face of so much evidence that the contrary should be the case? Much more investment is needed in the water supply industry.]",HC Deb 09 July 1984 vol 63 cc697-702,"England,Wales",,,,,DP,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/09/water-supplies,,
143,9,7,1984,Summer,9,7,1984,Summer,"Endogenous Driver  (unavailability of a national water grid) [Dr. John Cunningham (Copeland): Should not the Government consider the development of a national water grid? How did the Water Act 1982 help, as it barred the press and the public from consideration of these issues, deprived consumers of a proper role in the planning of the industry and discussion of its problems and abolished the Water Council?]",HC Deb 09 July 1984 vol 63 cc697-702,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/09/water-supplies,,Endogenous driver
144,9,7,1984,Summer,9,7,1984,Summer,"Endogenous Driver (unavailability of a national water grid) [Mr. Gow: It was the view of the Labour Government, and it is certainly the view of the present Government.",HC Deb 09 July 1984 vol 63 cc697-702,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/09/water-supplies,,Endogenous driver
145,9,7,1984,Summer,9,7,1984,Summer,"Driver (need for major investment in the infrastructure in order to stop leakages) [Mr. Robert Hicks (Cornwall, South-East) Is my hon. Friend aware that reservoir levels in Devon and Cornwall are already significantly lower than they were in June 1976? Will he confirm that more than 24 per cent. of Britain's potential water supply is lost between the reservoir and the user? Does he agree that that points to the need for a major investment programme to update our out-of-date infrastructure in this respect?]",HC Deb 09 July 1984 vol 63 cc697-702,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/09/water-supplies,,Investment
146,9,7,1984,Summer,9,7,1984,Summer,"Driver (need for major investment in infrastructure) [Mr. Gow Yes, but I must remind my hon. Friend that investment in the water industry, as elsewhere, must be conducted within the necessary restraints on public expenditure. We believe that we are better placed today than we were in 1976 to deal with the serious problem that exists in the area that my hon. Friend represents.]",HC Deb 09 July 1984 vol 63 cc697-702,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/09/water-supplies,,Investment
147,9,7,1984,Summer,9,7,1984,Summer,"State change (cuts on water supplies in Wales) [Mr. Dafydd Wigley (Caernarfon) Is the Minister aware that water rate payers in Wales are sick and tired of paying through their noses for water and finding that water supplies are not available? Is he further aware that for weeks there have been restrictions on water usage in Wales, whereas cities which get their water from reservoirs in Wales have not suffered the same restrictions? Is it right that the Welsh water authority has asked for even more draconian powers to cut water supplies in Wales]",HC Deb 09 July 1984 vol 63 cc697-702,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/09/water-supplies,,
148,9,7,1984,Summer,9,7,1984,Summer,"Endogenous Driver (the absence of a national water grid) [Mr. Denis Howell: The great lesson of the 1976 drought was that we should have a water grid to which each of the 11 authorities would be linked. There is no shortage of water even now, but difficulties have arisen because we are not transferring water from north to south and from west to east, which could be done by using the rivers. The previous Labour Government decided that capital works to provide that type of grid should be undertaken, and much work was done in preparing such a scheme. That work was in hand when the Labour Government went out of office. Why is it that our people are suffering deprivation only three months after we were told that there was no water shortage? Will the Minister consider the establishment of a system of water transfers from areas of plenty to areas of shortage? Mr. Gow I shall listen carefully to the right hon. Gentleman's advice. However, the Government have no plans to construct a national water grid.]",HC Deb 09 July 1984 vol 63 cc697-702,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/09/water-supplies,,Endogenous driver
149,9,7,1984,Summer,9,7,1984,Summer,"Driver (water losses between the reservoir and the consumers - need for investment ) [Mr. Peter Rost (Erewash) Does my hon. Friend accept that there would be no water shortage, despite the drought, if water were not lost between the reservoir and the consumer? Is it not time to review the water authorities' investment programme? Much of the investment would be highly cost-effective, as the processing and cleaning of the water that is being wasted has been paid for.]",HC Deb 09 July 1984 vol 63 cc697-702,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/09/water-supplies,,
150,9,7,1984,Summer,9,7,1984,Summer,"Driver (loss of water from the reservoir to the consumer, need for investment) [Mr. Gow My hon. Friend is right, because there is a loss of water from the reservoir to the consumer. It is to that problem that a significant part of the investment in the water industry in recent years has been devoted. There is scope for further improvement.]",HC Deb 09 July 1984 vol 63 cc697-702,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/09/water-supplies,,
151,9,7,1984,Summer,9,7,1984,Summer,"State change (water cuts) [Mr. Ron Davies (Caerphilly) Is the Minister aware that the feeling of anger is especially bitter in Wales following the promise after the 1976 drought that there would never be shortages again? How can he justify the present shortage, when water is being sold by the Welsh water authority to the Severn-Trent authority? We have been promised increased water rate bills next year and we are not even getting the water that we have paid for this year. At what stage in the drought will the Minister consider introducing a rebate for those who have been deprived of water for the past six weeks or so, and who face a long and dry summer? Mr. Gow: As the hon. Gentleman knows, where a hosepipe is charged for separately by an authority or company and a ban is imposed, the authority or the company is required to give a reasonable rebate.]",HC Deb 09 July 1984 vol 63 cc697-702,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/09/water-supplies,,
152,9,7,1984,Summer,9,7,1984,Summer,"State change, in the context of water exchanegs between companies, a discussion about pricing and standing charges that is linked to the drought episode [Mr. Tom Cox (Tooting) Is the Minister aware that an increasing source of complaint is the standing charge that water consumers pay? When hon. Members take up the question with chairmen of water authorities, they are always told that the purpose of the standing charge is to improve supplies and general services. When will that money be used to provide the services about which many hon. Members on both sides of the House are complaining? Mr. Gow: If the standing charges were abolished, the price of water would have to be increased.]",HC Deb 09 July 1984 vol 63 cc697-702,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/09/water-supplies,,Pricing
153,9,7,1984,Summer,9,7,1984,Summer,"Driver (some companies prefer to export water rather than transfer water to regions in the UK where it is needed ) [Mr. John Cartwright (Woolwich): As the Minister has confirmed that one water authority is exporting water while others are in desperate need, will he consider the possibility of sending emergency supplies from areas of surplus to areas of need? If he will not embrace the idea of a water grid, will he at least put pressure behind the idea of an emergency attack on the problem?]",HC Deb 09 July 1984 vol 63 cc697-702,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/09/water-supplies,,Water exports
154,9,7,1984,Summer,9,7,1984,Summer,"Driver (insufficient capital spending, government cuts, exports of water outside the UK) [Mrs. Ann Clwyd (Cynon Valley) Is the chairman of the Welsh water authority right, or wrong, when he says that the situation would not have occurred had the authority been allowed capital spending, and were it not for Government cuts? Is it right that half the water of Wales should be exported to authorities where there is no water shortage, when Wales is suffering from a drought? What will the Minister do about water equalisation rates? He has not given a straight answer to that question.]",HC Deb 09 July 1984 vol 63 cc697-702,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/09/water-supplies,,
155,9,7,1984,Summer,9,7,1984,Summer,"Driver (insufficient government funds for the Wye-Usk scheme) [Mr. Barry Jones (Alyn and Deeside) In south Wales the drought conditions have become more severe than those of 1976. Does the Minister appreciate that, had the Wye-Usk transfer scheme been in operation this summer, with its capacity of 15 million gallons per day, the increasing gravity of the water shortage would have been greatly reduced? Why did the Government not provide sufficient funds for the vital Wye-Usk scheme, which was planned long ago and sanctioned by the previous Labour Government? South Wales faces a period in which intense and damaging pressure will be put on the tourist, agriculture and manufacturing industries. A more determined and generous Government would have prevented that.]",HC Deb 09 July 1984 vol 63 cc697-702,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/09/water-supplies,,
156,13,7,1984,Summer,13,7,1984,Summer,"State change (Anticipated reserve measures in Scotland) [Mr. Norman Hogg asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many days' supply is currently held in reserve by each water authority in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Ancram Sufficient water is held in the reservoirs in most parts of Scotland to last for at least two months, except in parts of Grampian region, which depends more than other authorities on direct abstraction from rivers, parts of Orkney, parts of the Western Isles and in Arran. No cause for serious concern exists at present, but as a precautionary measure authorities have issued warnings not to waste water and are imposing bans on the use of hosepipes. The situation is being watched carefully.]",HC Deb 13 July 1984 vol 63 c696W 696W,Scotland,UKM,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/jul/13/water-reserves,,
157,13,7,1984,Summer,13,7,1984,Summer,"Yorkshire water authority’s spending [Mr. Skinner asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the level of spending by (a) the Yorkshire water authority and (b) the Thames water authority in (i) 1981–82, (ii) 1982–83, and (iii) 1983–84; and what is the projected level of spending for 1984–85. Mr. Waldegrave: The information requested is as follows: (i) 1981–82 (Accounts) £ million (ii) 1982–83 (Accounts) £ million (iii) 1983–84 (Estimates) £ million (iv) 1984–85 (Budget) £ million (b) Thames Water Authority Revenue Expenditure (including current cost depreciation) 356.4 375.7 401.7 415.6 Capital Expenditure 84.9 98.1 112.0 107.9]",HC Deb 13 July 1984 vol 63 cc692-3W,England,UKE,,,,,Report [Water authority],Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/jul/13/water-authorities-spending,Yorkshire Water ,Yorkshire water authority’s spending
158,16,7,1984,Summer,16,7,1984,Summer,Financial loss due to drought [Mr. David Young asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will estimate the financial loss due to drought in each year from 1976 in current prices. Mr. Gow No realistic estimate can be made.],HC Deb 16 July 1984 vol 64 c52W 52W,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Report [Water authority],Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/jul/16/drought-financial-loss,,Financial loss due to drough
159,16,7,1984,Summer,16,7,1984,Summer,Potential Impact (anticipated construction of national water grid) [Mr. David Young asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether any estimates have been made of the cost of establishing a national water grid. Mr. Gow The cost of a national water grid would depend on its extent and capacity as well as on other engineering factors.],HC Deb 16 July 1984 vol 64 c52W 52W,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/jul/16/national-water-grid,,Potential Impact
160,16,7,1984,Summer,16,7,1984,Summer,"Response (arrangements made for inter-regional transfers of water) [Mr. David Young asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether any arrangements have now been made for transferring reserves from one water authority area to another; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Gow: There are several schemes for inter-regional transfers of water in normal circumstances, and in some places it is practicable to make special arrangements when water is exceptionally short.]",HC Deb 16 July 1984 vol 64 c56W 56W,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/jul/16/water-transfers,,
161,16,7,1984,Summer,16,7,1984,Summer,Driver (loss of water due to worn-out infrastructure) [Mr. David Young asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much loss of water in the distribution system is due to worn-out infrastructure; what action and what financial investment has been put in in each of the last 10 years to update this; and what total investment would be necessary to update it completely.],HC Deb 16 July 1984 vol 64 c51W 51W,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/jul/16/water-loss,,
162,16,7,1984,Summer,16,7,1984,Summer,"Driver (leakage of water) [Mr. Gow Leakage from water mains is affected by many factors and its reduction is largely a matter of revenue spending. However, in their annual plans, water authorities propose investing nearly £100 million per annum in maintaining water supply systems, including treatment works. Comparable figures for the last 10 years are not available. Further work is needed to establish how much investment is required to overcome dereliction in water mains including the removal of incrustation from pipes and the remedying of corrosion.]",HC Deb 16 July 1984 vol 64 c51W 51W,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/jul/16/water-loss,,
163,16,7,1984,Summer,16,7,1984,Summer,"Driver, Pressure (water leakage) [Mr. David Young asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much water has been lost between the reservoir and the point of service in England in each of the last 10 years; what action has been taken to reduce this; what has been the effect of this action; and if he will make a statement.]",HC Deb 16 July 1984 vol 64 c51W 51W,"England,Wales",,,,,DP,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/jul/16/water-loss,,
164,16,7,1984,Summer,16,7,1984,Summer,Driver (water leakage) [Mr. Gow It was estimated by my Department and by the National Water Council in 1980 that on average 24 per cent. of water put into supply was unaccounted for mostly due to leakage. Water undertakers follow a nationally-agreed procedure for determining the method of leakage control appropriate to their respective systems and arriving at the economic level of manpower and financial resources required.],HC Deb 16 July 1984 vol 64 c51W 51W,"England,Wales",,,,,DP,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/jul/16/water-loss,,
165,16,7,1984,Summer,16,7,1984,Summer,Impact (deferring water supply schemes) [Mr. Skinner asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many water supply schemes are being deferred by the Thames water authority until 1985–86. Mr. Waldegrave I understand that three significant water supply schemes were among capital investment schemes deferred to 1985–86 — two concerned with water treatment and one a trunk main.],HC Deb 16 July 1984 vol 64 c49W,England,,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/jul/16/thames-water-authority,Thames Water,
166,18,7,1984,Summer,18,7,1984,Summer,"Spending of the Welsh water authority [Mr. Skinner asked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the level of spending by the Welsh water authority in 1981–82, 1982–83 and 1983–84; and what is the projected level of spending for 1984–85. §Mr. Wyn Roberts The Welsh water authority's level of spending for the years in question is as follows: Capital Expenditure Revenue Expenditure £ million £ million 1981–82 41 150 1982–83 50 163 1983–84 50 169 1984–85 48 177 The information for 1981–82 and 1982–83 is available in the annual reports of the Welsh water authority, copies being in the Library; the figures for 1983–84 are the expected outturn and for 1984–85 are those projected by the Welsh water authority in its corporate plan 1984.]",HC Deb 18 July 1984 vol 64 c208W 208W,Wales,UKL,,,,,Report [Water authority],Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/jul/18/welsh-water-authority,Welsh Water,Spending of the Welsh water authority
167,26,7,1984,Summer,26,7,1984,Summer,"State change (emergency measures) [Sir Raymond Gower asked the Secretary of State for Wales what recent consultations he has had with the Welsh water authority concerning emergency measures needed to protect hospitals, institutions for the elderly and disabled, farmers, horticulturalists and owners of garden-centres and to deal with the needs of industry and employment, particularly in south-east Wales; and if he will specify such emergency measures.]",HC Deb 26 July 1984 vol 64 c781W 781W,Wales,,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/jul/26/water-emergency-measures,,
168,26,7,1984,Summer,26,7,1984,Summer,"State change and response [The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Nicholas Edwards): Since February of this year rainfall in the Principality has been abnormally low, and over the whole of the Welsh water authority area has only been 44 per cent. of the long term average. The authority has been monitoring the water supply carefully since Easter and has taken measures to conserve stocks of water held in reservoirs by application for drought orders to reduce compensation water discharges from reservoirs and to increase abstraction from rivers. The authority also sought to reduce consumption by banning the use of hosepipes and garden sprinklers. In spite of those measures, reservoir levels have continued to fall and further action will be necessary to conserve the remaining stocks of water until there is sufficient rainfall to replenish them.]",HC Deb 26 July 1984 vol 64 cc1243-50,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/26/water-supplies-wales,,
169,26,7,1984,Summer,26,7,1984,Summer,"State change (plans for meeting the shortage) [Mr. Nicholas Edwards: The areas most seriously affected are south-east Wales, Preseli, with a population of about 40,000 people, and the Lleyn peninsula where the influx of summer tourists more than doubles the population to about 66,000. However, the shortage of water in south-east Wales gives the greatest cause for concern because some 1 million people are involved. The WWA has therefore set up a drought liaison committee for south-east Wales with representatives from the local authorities, the health authorities, my Department, the CBI, the National Farmers Union, the Farmers Union of Wales and other bodies. The committee met last Monday when the WWA presented the facts about the supply and outlined its plans for meeting the shortage.]",HC Deb 26 July 1984 vol 64 cc1243-50,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/26/water-supplies-wales,,
170,26,7,1984,Summer,26,7,1984,Summer,"State change [Mr. Nicholas Edwards: In the first instance, there will be a ban on the non-essential users of water such as automatic car washing plant and a drought order has been signed to put that into effect. If the dry weather continues, the WWA will then need to ensure a further reduction in consumption to about 50 per cent. of normal from 1 September. It intends to do this by shutting off supplies to domestic consumers for up to 17 hours per day; industrialists and agriculturalists will be relied upon to make their own plans for reducing consumption by a similar amount. The organisations represented on the drought liaison committee now have a month to consider the implications of those measures and to make their own plans accordingly. Further meetings of the committee will take place as necessary to resolve any outstanding problems before the WWA begins to shut off supplies.]",HC Deb 26 July 1984 vol 64 cc1243-50,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/26/water-supplies-wales,,
171,26,7,1984,Summer,26,7,1984,Summer,"State change and response [Problems of varying severity exist in other parts of the WWA area and appropriate measures are being taken to limit consumption and to make the best use of the available stocks of water. The powers available under the Drought Act 1976 are being, and will continue to be, used to the full and there is close contact between the WWA and my Department so that I am kept regularly informed of the situation.]",HC Deb 26 July 1984 vol 64 cc1243-50,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/26/water-supplies-wales,,
172,26,7,1984,Summer,26,7,1984,Summer,"Driver (failure on the part of the government to set up a transfer scheme) [Mr. Barry Jones (Alyn and Deeside) The right hon. Gentleman (...) used the word, ""emergency"". Why did he not come to the House earlier? Is it true that in one month's time half of the population of Wales—about 1,400,000—face daily shutoffs of water for up to 17 hours? (...) Why did not the Secretary of State for Wales rapidly complete the water transfer scheme for the Wye and Usk rivers, which would have enabled south Wales to cope effectively with the drought? Did not the Labour Government bequeath a scheme that could have been completed by 1983 instead of by May 1985? Have not Ministers recklessly gambled on there being no such drought again? Have they not failed to recognise the importance of the transfer scheme?]",HC Deb 26 July 1984 vol 64 cc1243-50,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/26/water-supplies-wales,,Endogenous driver
173,26,7,1984,Summer,26,7,1984,Summer,"Driver (failure of allocating government funds for the Wye-River Usk transfer scheme) [Mr. Barry Jones (Alyn and Deeside) The chief executive of the Welsh water authority said: It is certainly true that were phase one of the River Wye-River Usk transfer scheme in operation now, the drought could probably have been averted… We would always have welcomed an injection of funds from central Government."" Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the comment made by the Western Mail in its first leader yesterday? It said that: the Welsh Office is falling down in its duty to the people of Wales. Are not the Government's cash limits disastrously inadequate to develop the water grid that Wales needs?]",HC Deb 26 July 1984 vol 64 cc1243-50,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/26/water-supplies-wales,,
174,26,7,1984,Summer,26,7,1984,Summer,"State change (water cut-offs); Impact of the drought on the industry [Mr. Barry Jones (Alyn and Deeside) What is the estimate of potential job losses and lay-offs and the impact of cut-offs upon the manufacturing and service industries in Wales? The Minister should be aware that some Welsh valleys suffer male unemployment rates of more than 20 per cent. Long-term unemployment in the valleys rises to about 40 per cent. How precisely will the Minister assist the inceasingly vulnerable dairy farming and tourist industries in Preseli and Lleyn, for example? Does he promise that there will be no premature cut-offs in Blaenau Gwent, upper Cynon Valley and Rhondda areas? Our valley communities shelter some of Britain's poorest people and a high number of elderly citizens. They need special consideration. So do those factories located amid housing estates that face water cut-offs.]",HC Deb 26 July 1984 vol 64 cc1243-50,Wales,UKL,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/26/water-supplies-wales,,Impact on the industry
175,26,7,1984,Summer,26,7,1984,Summer,"State change; Impact (following the 1976)[Mr. Edwards During the previous drought in 1976, the then Secretary of State for Wales never made a statement on the subject in the House. Indeed, the reaction of the Labour Government in 1976 was to introduce expenditure cuts of £60 million in 1977–78 and a further £60 million the following year, after a 10 per cent. moratorium in 1976. The then National Water Council said that as a result Some… measures to provide against a recurrence of severe drought mentioned in the recent 'Water Supply Prospects in 1977' will now have to be postponed. I also remind the hon. Gentleman that during that drought, which was not as severe as the present one, cut-offs began on 19 July and were extended at the beginning of August. Because of the substantial measures taken since 1976, we have been able to avoid the possibility of cut-offs until the beginning of September. A substantial number of schemes were completed during that period.]",HC Deb 26 July 1984 vol 64 cc1243-50,Wales,UKL,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/26/water-supplies-wales,,
176,26,7,1984,Summer,26,7,1984,Summer,"Impact (following the 1976 drought) [Mr. Edwards: The hon. Gentleman referred to the Wye transfer scheme. That scheme was not introduced to deal with the drought emergency in 1976. It was part of a longer plan, based on the judgment of water needs in Wales over the last part of the century. It was brought forward and looked at more urgently in the light of the 1976 experience. Very soon after coming into Government I gave approval for that scheme. It was then considered by the water authority, in the light of current assessments of water need, and plans were proceeded with on that basis. The intention was to complete the supply of 15 million gallons a day for the Wye transfer by next year. Those decisions were taken in 1981.]",HC Deb 26 July 1984 vol 64 cc1243-50,Wales,UKL,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/26/water-supplies-wales,,
177,26,7,1984,Summer,26,7,1984,Summer,"Impact on the economy [Mr. Edwards The hon. Gentleman asked about the effect on jobs. The 1976 industry showed itself extremely adaptable and I am sure it will meet the needs at the present time. The hon. Gentleman referred to problems, particularly those of the Heads of the Valleys, where there are major water shortages in the reservoirs on the Brecon Beacons that supply the Heads of the Valleys, but it is as a result of major schemes carried out since 1976 that we are able to transfer large quantities of water into south-east Wales, both from the Wye and the west, and to transfer water around a local grid and, indeed, up the lower reaches of the valleys. It is because of those measures that it has been possible to take the decision not to impose restrictions in the Heads of the Valleys before restrictions are introduced elsewhere in south-east Wales.]",HC Deb 26 July 1984 vol 64 cc1243-50,Wales,UKL,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/26/water-supplies-wales,,Impact on the economy
178,26,7,1984,Summer,26,7,1984,Summer,"Infrastructure Investment [Mr. Alex Carlile (Montgomery) Tourism, manufacturing and agriculture industries in Wales all need a comprehensive and reliable water system which will enable them to exploit the great natural resources of Wales. Will the Secretary of State come out of the corner, into which he regularly retreats, of political slugging and tell us when Wales will have the investment that will give it that comprehensive and reliable water system? Mr. Edwards Perhaps I can tell the hon. and learned Gentleman that over the past few years the following schemes have been completed—the Llyn Brianne-river Tywi scheme, which is enabling us to take 4 million gallons of water per day into south-east Wales at the moment, the Taf Fawr-Taf Fechan link, which is proving extremely important, the Taf Fechan-eastern valleys link; the Llandegfedd aqueduct-Taf Fawr link and the Wye transfer scheme which is enabling us to transfer this week some 10 million gallons of water per day. Therefore, substantial progress is being made to improve the system.]",HC Deb 26 July 1984 vol 64 cc1243-50,"England,Wales",,,,,SI,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/26/water-supplies-wales,,Infrastructure investment; Anticipated Impact
179,26,7,1984,Summer,26,7,1984,Summer,"State change; Response [Mr. Donald Coleman (Neath) Nobody in Wales will be very impressed with the Secretary of State and what he had to say. Welsh communities face water rationing and heavy fines, and industrial users find themselves facing a serious future. The Secretary of State says that he is not God, but he is Old Nick here. Will the Secretary of State say on how many occasions drought orders have been applied for and restrictions applied to water supplies to domestic consumers since 1979? Despite what he has been saying he should accept that it is a fact that he has placed restrictions on the Welsh water authority which have prevented implementation of the plans drawn up in 1976 to deal with droughts, particularly in south-east Wales. Does he want to go down as the man who caused Welsh people to go thirsty and, perhaps unwashed?]",HC Deb 26 July 1984 vol 64 cc1243-50,Wales,UKL,,,,SR,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/26/water-supplies-wales,,
180,26,7,1984,Summer,26,7,1984,Summer,"State change, Investment in the water supply system in Wales, a discussion in relation to the drought experienced in this region [Mr. Edwards The Government have spent some £75 million on improvements to the water supply system in the area and the water authority is undertaking a massive capital programme. The constraint that it has to bear in mind is the effect on charges and the need to balance its overall priorities.]",HC Deb 26 July 1984 vol 64 cc1243-50,Wales,UKL,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/26/water-supplies-wales,,Infrastructure investment
181,26,7,1984,Summer,26,7,1984,Summer,"Investment;  Impact (anticipated Wye Usk transfer system) [Mr. Brynmor John (Pontypridd) Does the Secretary of State accept what his Under-Secretary told the Welsh Grand Committee, that the Wye-Usk transfer could have been completed in May 1983? If he does, can he tell the House why he has not insisted that it should be completed? Mr. Edwards: It was never intended or planned by anyone that the scheme should be totally completed by that date. Indeed, it has never been intended that the full transfer and full use of 30 million gallons should be available before the early 1990s. The decision was taken by the Welsh water authority in 1981 on the basis of its assessment of water requirements in south-east Wales in the latter part of the century, and the scheme was revised because it has now been assessed that water usage has declined. As I pointed out, although the scheme is obviously important during drought, that was never its prime purpose.]",HC Deb 26 July 1984 vol 64 cc1243-50,Wales,UKL,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/26/water-supplies-wales,,Infrastructure investment
182,26,7,1984,Summer,26,7,1984,Summer,"Driver (lack of investment;  [Mr. Edwards If the hon. Gentleman is suggesting that I was alone in asking the Welsh water authority to hold down its charges, that would be very hypocritical. It has been the universal demand of every Opposition Member and most people in Wales. It is one of the factors that the water authority rightly has to take into account. It is absurd hypocrisy for people to pretend otherwise. I utterly reject it. We are having meetings with industry and asking it to restrict its usage to 50 per cent., and I am confident that it will make every effort to do so. If people can save water substantially in the coming weeks and there is moderate rainfall in August, we shall be able to postpone the introduction of the scheme, I hope. But that depends on significant rainfall during the period and a substantial saving in the use of water. There is no other solution to the problem.]",HC Deb 26 July 1984 vol 64 cc1243-50,Wales,UKL,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/26/water-supplies-wales,,
183,26,7,1984,Summer,26,7,1984,Summer,Impact (improvements at the level of infrastructure) [Mr. Edwards: It is undoubtedly true that not only did the Welsh water authority inherit a poor system in many parts of Wales but that the previous organisation was not well equipped to sort out those problems. We have made major improvements to the organisation and that is why the water authority is making such successful attempts to deal with an unprecedentedly difficult situation.],HC Deb 26 July 1984 vol 64 cc1243-50,Wales,UKL,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/26/water-supplies-wales,,
184,26,7,1984,Summer,26,7,1984,Summer,"State change [Viscount Long: The authority has been monitoring the water supply situation carefully since Easter and taken measures to conserve stocks of water held in reservoirs by application for drought orders to reduce compensation water discharges from reservoirs and to increase abstraction from rivers. The authority has also sought to reduce consumption by banning the use of hosepipes and garden sprinklers. In spite of these measures reservoir levels have continued to fall and further action will be necessary to conserve the remaining stocks of water until there is sufficient rainfall to replenish them. Nobody can be certain when this will be, but meteorological records point to substantial rain—or so it is hoped—by the third week of October, and the WWA have formulated their emergency plans accordingly.]",HL Deb 26 July 1984 vol 455 cc420-6 420,Wales,UKL,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1984/jul/26/water-supply-in-wales,,
185,26,7,1984,Summer,26,7,1984,Summer,"State change (appropriate measure to limit consumption) [Viscount Long: Problems of varying severity exist in other parts of the WWA area and appropriate measures are being taken to limit consumption and to make the best use of the available stocks of water. The powers available under the Drought Act 1976 are being and will continue to be used to the full, and there is close contact between the WWA and my department in order that I am kept regularly informed of the situation.]",HL Deb 26 July 1984 vol 455 cc420-6 420,Wales,UKL,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1984/jul/26/water-supply-in-wales,,
186,26,7,1984,Summer,26,7,1984,Summer,State change; Response; and Impact (anticipated long term plans) [Lord Elwyn-Jones : The Statement refers to the Drought Act. Can the noble Lord say whether the Welsh Water Authority have submitted applications for an order under Section 2 of that Act which would enable the authority if necessary to move towards rota cuts which would enable limited supplies to last until the end of October? Will he say whether the Government have any long-term plans to deal with them? Can he say additionally how the Wye transfer project is working and how much longer it will take to complete? Can he confirm that after that project is completed it will make the south-east area safe for 10 years?],HL Deb 26 July 1984 vol 455 cc420-6 420,Wales,UKL,,,,SIR,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1984/jul/26/water-supply-in-wales,,
187,26,7,1984,Summer,26,7,1984,Summer,"Driver - the MP is questioning whether appropriate Loan allocations were given to the Welsh Water Autority, linked to the experienced drought episode [Finally, is the noble Lord satisfied that the Government are giving adequate financial encouragement to the Welsh Water Authority? Is it not the case that loan allocations offered by the Welsh Office to the authority have been reduced while the authority's own capital expenditure has increased? Will the Minister give an assurance that these policies, which we take to be short-sighted, will be reversed?]",HL Deb 26 July 1984 vol 455 cc420-6 420,Wales,UKL,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1984/jul/26/water-supply-in-wales,,Loan allocations and the authority’s capital expenditure
188,26,7,1984,Summer,26,7,1984,Summer,"Driver (the absence of expenditure on infrastructure and the means of taking water from one region to another) [Lord Hooson: In view of the emergency in which we found ourselves in the long, dry summer of 1976, does not the existence of the present emergency in a land which, despite the present drought, still has a great deal of water around, point to the absence of expenditure on infrastructure and the means of taking water from the areas that have it to the areas—obviously those in south-east Wales— which are deeply affected? This is an industrial area with a high population. Does not the whole situation point to a failure to expend the necessary money to improve our infrastructure? Would the noble Lord not agree that there is something vastly wrong with the situation that Britain, which has experienced droughts of this kind before, is now in 1984 finding itself with droughts not only in Wales but in other parts of the country simply because various areas have not been linked up to enable water to be brought?]",HL Deb 26 July 1984 vol 455 cc420-6 420,Wales,UKL,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1984/jul/26/water-supply-in-wales,,
189,26,7,1984,Summer,26,7,1984,Summer,"Driver (inability to effectively use funding for infrastructure investment) [Viscount Long : Both noble Lords' questions have hinged on the question of expenditure and why this situation has come about. The noble and learned Lord mentioned the pumping stations and the laying of further pipes. I think he was really referring to a sort of grid system. The external financing limit of the Welsh Water Authority is the amount which the authority can raise from outside sources. This is the primary control exercised by the Government over capital expenditure of the authority. In the most recent years, the external financing limits and the extent to which they have been utilised by the authority were as follows. The limit set by the Government to the Welsh authority was £25.25 million in 1982–83 and the amount that the authority utilised was only £22.6 million. In 1983–84 they were again given £23 million and only used £18.6 million. So they have not used their full quota of finance. Therefore, they really could perhaps have done a little more.]",HL Deb 26 July 1984 vol 455 cc420-6 420,Wales,UKL,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1984/jul/26/water-supply-in-wales,,
190,26,7,1984,Summer,26,7,1984,Summer,"State change [Lord Nugent of Guildford My Lords, may I ask my noble friend a question on a subject which was mentioned by the noble and learned Lord opposite? That is about the Wye/Usk Transfer Scheme. I recollect in 1976 urging the Welsh Water Authority to proceed with an emergency type of transfer scheme because that scheme would substantially alleviate the water shortage in a large part of South Wales. Would my noble friend please tell us whether or not that scheme has now been completed? Is it now in full operation? Is he aware that that is capable of transferring very large quantities of water from the surplus areas to the shortage areas?]",HL Deb 26 July 1984 vol 455 cc420-6 420,Wales,UKL,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1984/jul/26/water-supply-in-wales,,
191,26,7,1984,Summer,26,7,1984,Summer,"Impact (the 1976 drought stressed the need for better infrastructure) [Lord Nugent of Guildford The Welsh Water Authority received outline planning permission for the pumping station at Monmouth in 1976, when they were considering a further report on the scheme. The 1976 drought emphasised the need to develop the scheme and the construction of a pipeline from Monmouth to Olway Brook was started.]",HL Deb 26 July 1984 vol 455 cc420-6 420,Wales,UKL,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1984/jul/26/water-supply-in-wales,,
192,27,7,1984,Summer,27,7,1984,Summer,"State change and response [The Minister for Housing and Construction (Mr. Ian Gow): The major reservoirs at Haweswater and Thirlmere are lower than in July 1976. Hosepipe bans are in force in almost all the region and 15 drought orders have been made to authorise exceptionally low water levels in rivers. The authority applied last week for orders to authorise additional abstractions from Ullswater and Windermere, and this week to restrict inessential uses of water.]",HC Deb 27 July 1984 vol 64 cc1400-7,England,,,,,SR,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/27/water-supplies-england,,
193,27,7,1984,Summer,27,7,1984,Summer,"State change and response [The Minister for Housing and Construction (Mr. Ian Gow) Three orders have been made to enable the South West water authority to prohibit or limit the use of water for certain inessential purposes, and another 12 orders have been made to permit exceptionally low river levels. However, demand has been unprecedently high. On Wednesday the authority appealed for a 50 per cent. reduction in consumption if rationing is to be avoided. It has also applied for power to introduce water rationing by rota cuts or by standpipes throughout Cornwall and in much of Devon, and is preparing plans to start rationing on 9 August if necessary.]",HC Deb 27 July 1984 vol 64 cc1400-7,England,,,,,SR,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/27/water-supplies-england,,
194,27,7,1984,Summer,27,7,1984,Summer,"State change and response [The Minister for Housing and Construction (Mr. Ian Gow) I met all chairmen of water authorities on 18 July and repeated that I expected them to take early precautionary action, whether by hosepipe ban or by drought order applications, to reduce consumption and conserve supplies. I reaffirmed my earlier advice to the water companies when I addressed their chairmen in London on Wednesday.]",HC Deb 27 July 1984 vol 64 cc1400-7,England,,,,,SR,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/27/water-supplies-england,,
195,27,7,1984,Summer,27,7,1984,Summer,State change [The Minister for Housing and Construction (Mr. Ian Gow)  exceptionally low rainfall in some parts of England underlines the importance of the responsible and economical use of water. I ask everyone to comply with restrictions which are imposed in the interest of the community as a whole and to follow the advice which authorities and companies are giving in order to diminish the prospect of more severe restrictions later on.],HC Deb 27 July 1984 vol 64 cc1400-7,England,,,,,SR,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/27/water-supplies-england,,
196,27,7,1984,Summer,27,7,1984,Summer,"Driver (poor government strategy) [Dr. John Cunningham (Copeland) The implication of the statement is that the Government are expecting people in the south-west and the north-west to endure indefinite water shortages and rationing. Government policy—or, more properly, lack of it — has been a major contributory factor in the problem.]",HC Deb 27 July 1984 vol 64 cc1400-7,England,,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/27/water-supplies-england,,
197,27,7,1984,Summer,27,7,1984,Summer,"Driver (insufficient government funding) [Dr. John Cunningham (Copeland) In real terms, expenditure on water resources under this Government has been cut by almost half since 1981–82. In addition, the external financing limits applied to water authorities have prevented them from borrowing to finance the investment that many of them would wish to make, as was made clear on radio this morning by Mr. Roger White, the water spokesman for the Association of Local Authorities. He said that the shortage of capital investment and Government cuts in the water authority's capital programmes meant that they were unable to supply consumers. The government have been too busy attacking councils and their capital expenditure programmes to devote sufficient attention to the critical water shortage.]",HC Deb 27 July 1984 vol 64 cc1400-7,England,,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/27/water-supplies-england,,
198,27,7,1984,Summer,27,7,1984,Summer,"Driver (lack of a national water policy) [Dr. John Cunningham (Copeland) Does the Minister recall what the Select Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Lords said about Government policy in December 1982? It reminded Parliament that Ministers have a duty under…the Water Act 1973 to promote a national policy for water in England and Wales and a somewhat similar duty in Scotland. The Committee concluded: There is in fact no national plan and it is difficult to see what national policy, if any, exists. Since then the Government have made further cuts in investment in the water supply industry.]",HC Deb 27 July 1984 vol 64 cc1400-7,England,,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/27/water-supplies-england,,
199,27,7,1984,Summer,27,7,1984,Summer,"Response [Mr. Gow I reject entirely the hon. Gentleman's charge of complacency in the Government. There most certainly is not. Hosepipe bans were first imposed in the south-west on 12 May, and in the north-west on 2 June. The first drought orders were made for the north-west on 7 June and for the south-west on 21 June. In the current financial year, £230 million of capital investment is being spent to improve water resources and supply.]",HC Deb 27 July 1984 vol 64 cc1400-7,England,,,,,R,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/27/water-supplies-england,,
200,27,7,1984,Summer,27,7,1984,Summer,"Responses (hosepipe orders)[Mr. David Penhaligon (Truro) I remind the Minister that we have had hosepipe orders almost every year since I have been a Member of the House, so it cannot be blamed only on the weather. May I bring the Minister up to date by telling him that boil orders have been placed on the districts of Kerrier, Penwith and Carrick, in that all water for domestic use must be boiled?]",HC Deb 27 July 1984 vol 64 cc1400-7,England,,,,,R,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/27/water-supplies-england,,
201,27,7,1984,Summer,27,7,1984,Summer,Response [ Mr. David Penhaligon (Truro) Can the Minister tell the House how the applications for orders made to his Department are progressing? I understand that at present the legislation requires that about 3 million gallons of water is pumped back from one reservoir into a river. It seems logical that that loophole should be stopped and that the water is made available to the people of the south-west.],HC Deb 27 July 1984 vol 64 cc1400-7,England,,,,,R,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/27/water-supplies-england,,
202,27,7,1984,Summer,27,7,1984,Summer,"Impact (following the 1976 drought) [Mr. Gow The hon. Gentleman is right to say that this is a serious matter for those who are affected, and I agree with him entirely. I repeat that since 1976 steps have been taken to improve the water supply in the South West water authority area, notably the opening of the two reservoirs to which I referred a moment ago. I assure the hon. Gentleman that applications for drought orders received by my Department will be processed with the upmost speed, and that we shall do all we can to expedite the granting of drought orders, subject of course to the statutory duties of my right hon. Friend.]",HC Deb 27 July 1984 vol 64 cc1400-7,England,,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/27/water-supplies-england,,
203,27,7,1984,Summer,27,7,1984,Summer,Response [Mr. Gow I can assure my hon. Friend that the procedures for dealing with drought orders will be gone through as expeditiously as possible in accordance with the provisions of section 1 of the Drought Act 1976. I understand my hon. Friend's point about the undesirability of standpipes unless they become absolutely necessary. My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State is discussing that very matter with the chairman of the South West water authority today.],HC Deb 27 July 1984 vol 64 cc1400-7,England,,,,,R,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/27/water-supplies-england,,
204,27,7,1984,Summer,27,7,1984,Summer,"Pressure:  [Mr. Tam Dalyell (Linlithgow) From the time that the hon. Gentleman was the Prime Minister's Parliamentary Private Secretary, does he recall that his boss had no hesitation in hiring the Danish ship Herta Maersk to take fresh water from Southampton, Lisbon and Auckland, New Zealand, to the Falkland Islands? Is the south-west of England considered to be less important than the southwest Atlantic? What are the figures for investment to which my hon. Friend the Member for Copeland (Dr. Cunningham) referred? Is this crisis not predictable and predicted, foreseeable and foreseen?.]",HC Deb 27 July 1984 vol 64 cc1400-7,England,,,,,P,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/27/water-supplies-england,,
205,27,7,1984,Summer,27,7,1984,Summer,"State change Investment [Mr. Gow As for investment, I have told the House already that in the current year we are spending £230 million on improving water resources and supply.]",HC Deb 27 July 1984 vol 64 cc1400-7,England,,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/27/water-supplies-england,,Investment
206,27,7,1984,Summer,27,7,1984,Summer,"Driver (Water leakage) [Mr. Anthony Steen (South Hams) Is my hon. Friend aware that the position in the south-west is made worse by the inability to switch water from the Wimbleball reservoir on Exmoor, which at the moment is 75 per cent. full? Can he find out why the water cannot be switched to areas which need it? Is my hon. Friend also aware that one third of the 20 million gallons of water used in Plymouth every day goes to waste because of defective and leaking old pipes? Will he ask the South West water authority to spend some of its £70 million a year income on patching up those pipes? ]",HC Deb 27 July 1984 vol 64 cc1400-7,England,,,,,DP,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/27/water-supplies-england,,
207,27,7,1984,Summer,27,7,1984,Summer,Driver (water bureaucracy) [Mr. Anthony Steen (South Hams) Is my hon. Friend also aware that because of water bureaucracy the reservoirs in Devon have had to be emptied before water from streams and rivers which has been pouring into the sea can be tapped? At the moment the reservoirs are empty and the water in streams and rivers continues to pour into the sea. Cannot my hon. Friend do something to reverse that process?],HC Deb 27 July 1984 vol 64 cc1400-7,England,,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/27/water-supplies-england,,
208,27,7,1984,Summer,27,7,1984,Summer,"Response [Mr. Anthony Steen (South Hams) Will my hon. Friend pay tribute to the people of South Hams, who year after year have patiently endured the totally unacceptable position of being without running water for two or three months every year?]",HC Deb 27 July 1984 vol 64 cc1400-7,England,,,,,R,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/27/water-supplies-england,,
209,27,7,1984,Summer,27,7,1984,Summer,"Driver (water leakage)[Mr Gow My hon. Friend is right in what he says about leaks. There is a substantial loss of water as a result of leaks from old pipes, and water authorities will be taking action in the future, as they have done in the past, to diminish that loss of water.]",HC Deb 27 July 1984 vol 64 cc1400-7,England,,,,,DP,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/27/water-supplies-england,,
210,27,7,1984,Summer,27,7,1984,Summer,"Pressure (absence of meters) [Mr. Gary Waller (Keighley) Bearing in mind that the majority of householders have no real incentive, other than good will, to reduce their water consumption and that the cost of installing meters which would provide such an incentive is too great in the majority of cases for people to contemplate it, is there not a case for the water authorities to consider whether they might be able to reduce that cost to a figure perhaps below the immediate cost of providing meters? In the long run, that might work out more cheaply than the kind of capital investment which is needed to provide a greater supply.]",HC Deb 27 July 1984 vol 64 cc1400-7,England,,,,,P,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/27/water-supplies-england,,
211,27,7,1984,Summer,27,7,1984,Summer,"Positive Impact (following the 1976 drought) [Mr. Gow I should like to list some of the achievements that have been made since 1976. The Lancashire conjunctive use scheme in the north-west and the Brenig reservoir are both in operation, in Northumbria there is the Kielder reservoir, in the Severn Trent water authority area there is the Shropshire groundwater scheme and the Wye abstraction scheme, in the Yorkshire water authority area there is the Winscar reservoir and in the Anglia water authority area there is the Rutland water scheme. There is also the Farmoor reservoir, the Ardingly reservoir in the Southern water authority area, new boreholes and link mains in the Bristol, Avon, Avon and Dorset and Somerset river basins and the two new reservoirs in the south-west to which I have already referred. They are all improvements that have been made since the drought of 1976.]",HC Deb 27 July 1984 vol 64 cc1400-7,England,,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/27/water-supplies-england,,
212,27,7,1984,Summer,27,7,1984,Summer,"Driver (absence of a national grid system); Pressure (the abolition of the National Water Council) [Mr. Robert C. Brown (Newcastle upon Tyne, North) Is the Minister aware that, in the north-east of England where we have had no measurable rainfall for more than four months, we have no problem thanks to the farsightedness of the former Northumbria river authority which was Labour controlled? Because of its farsightedness and that of the Labour Government who provided capital to get Kielder into operation, the three main rivers of the area—the Tyne, the Wear and the Tees—are linked. Surely the abolition of the National Water Council, for which the Government are responsible, has not made it any easier to develop a national grid system, which is sadly needed.]",HC Deb 27 July 1984 vol 64 cc1400-7,England,,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/27/water-supplies-england,,Endogenous driver
213,27,7,1984,Summer,27,7,1984,Summer,"Driver (need for more infrastructure investment) [Mr. Nigel Spearing (Newham, South) Do not these events show the importance of proper public capital investment, especially when plant, men and machinery are readily available? The Minister said that the Government are not complacent. Is he saying that he has agreed to every capital scheme for storage that has been put up by water authorities since 1979? If he has not agreed to any such applications, why did he turn them down/]",HC Deb 27 July 1984 vol 64 cc1400-7,England,,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/27/water-supplies-england,,
214,27,7,1984,Summer,27,7,1984,Summer,"State change [Mr. Gow: The exceptional drought is responsible for the restrictions that have been imposed in the north-west, Devon and the south-west.]",HC Deb 27 July 1984 vol 64 cc1400-7,England,"UKD,UKK",,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/27/water-supplies-england,,
215,27,7,1984,Summer,27,7,1984,Summer,"State change [Mr. Gow: The cause of the water shortage in the southwest and the north-west is the exceptional drought. In many areas it is without precedent in living memory. Water authorities are well aware that, in some cases, they must take special precautions to preserve health in the event of a fall in the level of reservoirs and rivers. The level of investment in the water industry during the past five years has been justified in the circumstances. Only the exceptional drought has made it necessary to impose restrictions. I am confident that water authorities and water companies will take all prudent steps to safeguard future supplies and to minimise hardship for their customers.]",HC Deb 27 July 1984 vol 64 cc1400-7,England,"UKD,UKK",,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/jul/27/water-supplies-england,,
216,26,7,1984,Summer,26,7,1984,Summer,"Response and state change [Mr. Wyn Roberts The Welsh Office has been kept fully informed of the water supply situation in the Welsh water authority area and we are making the appropriate Orders under the Drought Act 1976. The area of main concern is south-east Wales where the Welsh water authority has set up a drought liaison committee to consider the various emergency measures required, by the authority in consultation with the organisations likely to be affected. Provisional arrangements have been made for a further meeting of the drought liaison committee before the beginning of September when the authority considers that, if the dry weather continues, it will become necessary to reduce consumption to about half of normal by shutting off supplies to domestic consumers for up to 17 hours a day and for industry and other special categories of consumers to make similar savings in their use of water.]",HC Deb 26 July 1984 vol 64 c781W 781W,Wales,UKL,,,,SR,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/jul/26/water-emergency-measures,,
217,30,7,1984,Summer,30,7,1984,Summer,"Impact (desired/ anticipated modernisation of the national water piping system) [Mr. Walters asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in view of recent loss of water from faulty pipes, he will introduce a scheme to modernise the national water piping system. Mr. Gow No. Each water authority and company is responsible for the development, upkeep and renewal of its own water distribution system.]",HC Deb 30 July 1984 vol 65 c43W 43W,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/jul/30/water-piping-system,,Desired/anticipated Impact
218,1,8,1984,Summer,1,8,1984,Summer,"The cost to ratepayers of the drought in Wales [Mrs. Clwyd asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will estimate the cost to ratepayers of the drought in Wales. Mr. Wyn Roberts: Estimating the cost of all the measures taken to date in consequence of the drought is a matter for the Welsh water authority. I understand that the authority has said, provisionally, the cost could be between £500,000 and £1,000,000.]",HC Deb 01 August 1984 vol 65 cc327-8W 327W,Wales,UKL,,,,I,Report [Water authority],Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/aug/01/drought,Welsh Water,Impact on the economy
219,1,8,1984,Summer,1,8,1984,Summer,State change [Mrs. Clwyd asked the Secretary of State for Wales if Her Majesty's Government will cover the cost of anti-drought measures in Wales. Mr. Wyn Roberts No; costs incurred are a matter for the Welsh water authority.],HC Deb 01 August 1984 vol 65 cc327-8W 327W,Wales,UKL,,,,S,Report [Water authority],Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/aug/01/drought,Welsh Water,Impact on the economy
220,1,8,1984,Summer,1,8,1984,Summer,"State change [Mr. David Penhaligon (Truro): Those of us who live in the south-west find the position quite ludicrous. Our problem in 1984 is not unique, in that we had precisely the same one in 1976. Indeed, my part of Cornwall has hosepipe bans every year.]",HC Deb 01 August 1984 vol 65 cc358-65,England,UKK,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/aug/01/water-supplies-south-west,,
221,1,8,1984,Summer,1,8,1984,Summer,"State change [Mr. David Penhaligon (Truro) [Next week the South West water authority will meet to consider water rationing. Apparently there are two possibilities. Either it will be done on the basis of rota cuts for 17 hours a day, or standpipes will be erected.]",HC Deb 01 August 1984 vol 65 cc358-65,England,UKK,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/aug/01/water-supplies-south-west,,
222,1,8,1984,Summer,1,8,1984,Summer,"State change, discussion linked to the accountability line in dealing with the drought [Mr. David Penhaligon (Truro): The Government's local representatives, the members of the South West water authority, have a problem on their hands. It is worth remembering that it is the Minister who appoints the chairman and members of the authority; it is the Minister and his Government who, despite considerable opposition, thrust through the House a regulation which means that all the meetings of the authority are now held in total secrecy; it is the Minister who fixes the external financing limit of the authority, which is the amount of money that it can borrow; it is the Minister who fixes the financial target, which is the profit that the authority must make against current costs; it is the Minister who fixes the performance target, which is the amount that the authority can spend on day-to-day operations; and it is the Minister who fixes the capital outturn.]",HC Deb 01 August 1984 vol 65 cc358-65,England,UKK,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/aug/01/water-supplies-south-west,,Institutional Accountability 
223,1,8,1984,Summer,1,8,1984,Summer,"Response [Mr. David Penhaligon (Truro): Numerous orders have been applied for. They take two forms. The first allows a water authority to extract more water from rivers. The second reduces the amount of compensation flows over reservoirs. By statute, when a dam is erected and a reservoir created, the water authority has to allow a certain amount of water to pass through the reservoir into the river even if there is little or no water coming in at the other end.]",HC Deb 01 August 1984 vol 65 cc358-65,England,UKK,,,,R,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/aug/01/water-supplies-south-west,,
224,1,8,1984,Summer,1,8,1984,Summer,"Response [Mr. David Penhaligon (Truro) The authority has asked for dispensation to reduce compensatory flow rates, but the (drought order) applications have been made at a rather late stage. It is amazing that there is a real possibility of rationing being implemented before the full impact of the dispensation orders is felt in the region. I ask the Minister to give an assurance that the Department of the Environment will cause not one second of delay in implementing beyond that which is required by statute.]",HC Deb 01 August 1984 vol 65 cc358-65,England,UKK,,,,R,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/aug/01/water-supplies-south-west,,
225,1,8,1984,Summer,1,8,1984,Summer,"State change [Mr. David Penhaligon (Truro) The proposed rota cuts will mean seven hours with water and 17 hours without. Of course, there will have to be exemptions. If the water supply is turned off for 17 hours, consumers who live at the bottom of a hill will take advantage of the fact that the water pipe is full and they will empty it. What sort of liquid will come from the pipe when the water supply is restored? How much water will be saved by the introduction of rota cuts? When the tap is turned on once more after 17 hours, something like brown sludge will pour from consumers' taps and our constituents will cause their taps to run until they can obtain some fresh water. ]",HC Deb 01 August 1984 vol 65 cc358-65,England,UKK,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/aug/01/water-supplies-south-west,,
226,1,8,1984,Summer,1,8,1984,Summer,"Driver (leakage); State change (altered state of availability of water)  [Mr. David Penhaligon (Truro) Perhaps the main advantage to be gained from cutting the water supply for 17 hours is that there will be no leaks in the supply system. If there is no pressure there will be no leaks. However, the more exemptions that are allowed the more the system has to be charged by pressure. Exemptions will not cause a lot of water to be used, but the leaks will continue merrily because pressure will have to be maintained. Water reserves will diminish irrespective of the amount of water that is used.]",HC Deb 01 August 1984 vol 65 cc358-65,England,UKK,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/aug/01/water-supplies-south-west,,
227,1,8,1984,Summer,1,8,1984,Summer,"Impact on the economy/ industry [Mr. David Penhaligon (Truro) What exemptions should be introduced? I am sure it will be agreed universally that hospitals should be exempted from cuts. There are others who have claims of various merit. Hoteliers argue that they should be exempted on the ground of health risks within their premises. The owners of factories argue that water should continue to be supplied to their premises. There is a fish processing factory in my constituency and it will cease to function if there is no water. Farmers telephone me to tell me of the difficulties that they will face if water is not supplied to their farms. It may be possible to convince constituents that they should go without water for 17 hours, but the farmers in my constituency believe that their telepathic relations with their cattle will not enable them to explain adequately to them that there will be no water for 17 hours. What happens to kidney patients who are on dialysis machines?]",HC Deb 01 August 1984 vol 65 cc358-65,England,UKK,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/aug/01/water-supplies-south-west,,Impact on the economy/ industry
228,1,8,1984,Summer,1,8,1984,Summer,"Pressure (reduction in personnel)[Mr. David Penhaligon (Truro) I cannot help but reflect on the fact that since 1976 the water authority has decreased its staff dramatically, and many praise the authority for doing so. I do not believe that the authority has the manpower, if it ever did, to implement rota cuts with a satisfactory exemption system. An exemption system can be operative in some districts only by turning off the water supply and individually to every property not given an exemption.]",HC Deb 01 August 1984 vol 65 cc358-65,England,UKK,,,,P,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/aug/01/water-supplies-south-west,,
229,1,8,1984,Summer,1,8,1984,Summer,"Driver (leakage) [Mr. David Penhaligon (Truro) The position in the long term is even more forlorn than in the short term, although that might sound ironic at this moment. About 30 per cent. of the water caught in the dams and sucked out of the rivers, old mine pits and mines, is wasted because it leaks away. That means that for every two reservoirs built to supply people another has to he built to satisfy the leaks from the system. That happens when water is being used normally. At the moment when people are economising—all credit to them for doing so—almost 50 per cent. of the water supply available to the people of the south-west is leaking away. That is ludicrous. I know of no one who would try to rationalise that position or argue that that is the best that can be done. The water authority must be provided with increased resources to get down in the near future to the business of repairing the system. As for financing locally, I am sure the Minister is aware that my region already has the highest water rates in the United Kingdom.]",HC Deb 01 August 1984 vol 65 cc358-65,England,UKK,,,,DP,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/aug/01/water-supplies-south-west,,
230,1,8,1984,Summer,1,8,1984,Summer,"Driver (lots of infrastructure problems)[Mr. David Penhaligon (Truro) If he believes that stopping leaks, building reservoirs and modernising the pipe system is all that is required, I shall disappoint him, because the sewerage system is no better than the water system. The hon. Member for St. Ives made a speech about it last week. In some ways, the sewerage system could be alleged to be worse. In the south-west, we are plastered with embargoes and inadequate installations.]",HC Deb 01 August 1984 vol 65 cc358-65,England,UKK,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/aug/01/water-supplies-south-west,,
231,1,8,1984,Summer,1,8,1984,Summer,"Driver (leakage) [Sir Peter Emery (Honiton) It should also be pointed out that the majority of the wastage is not controlled by the South West water authority; it is under the control of householders and industry. Will my hon. Friend appeal, even at this late stage, for people to look at leaky pipes, worn washers and dripping overflow pipes? That is often the great area of wastage and it is in the hands of individuals to do something about it.]",HC Deb 01 August 1984 vol 65 cc358-65,England,UKK,,,,DP,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/aug/01/water-supplies-south-west,,
232,1,8,1984,Summer,1,8,1984,Summer,"Driver (poor infrastructure) [Mr. David Harris (St. Ives) In the past year, since I have been in the House, I have emphasised the importance of infrastructure. There must be proper provision for water and sewerage. In facing the difficulties created by the water shortage, we must not allow ourselves to say that there are no sewerage problems. That would be fatal. We must be prepared to spend what is required to provide a decent infrastructure to the south-west. I accept that that will mean cuts elsewhere. I suggest that the Minister could make cuts in the area of discretionary grants to industry. Sufficient funds must be made available to give the southwest the industry it requires. I assure the Minister that I shall not forget the subject once the rain starts.]",HC Deb 01 August 1984 vol 65 cc358-65,England,UKK,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/aug/01/water-supplies-south-west,,
233,1,8,1984,Summer,1,8,1984,Summer,"State change [The Minister for Housing and Construction (Mr. Ian Gow):  I appeal to everybody in the south-west of England, and in all other parts of the country where restrictions are in force, to comply most strictly with the statutory requirements, and to follow advice where advice has been given to customers by water authorities and water companies.]",HC Deb 01 August 1984 vol 65 cc358-65,England,UKK,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/aug/01/water-supplies-south-west,,
234,1,8,1984,Summer,1,8,1984,Summer,"State change [Ian Gow: The South West water authority first imposed a hosepipe ban in north Devon and parts of Cornwall on 12 May. There is now an extension of the ban on hosepipes throughout the area of the authority. The first drought order, to restrict river water running into the sea, was made on 21 June. We have now made 18 orders to conserve or augment water resources.]",HC Deb 01 August 1984 vol 65 cc358-65,England,UKK,,,,SR,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/aug/01/water-supplies-south-west,,
235,1,8,1984,Summer,1,8,1984,Summer,"State change; Impact (following the 1976 drought) [Ian Gow: The authority has carried out emergency works to make water from Wimbleball available in parts of east Devon and in mid-Devon by using temporary pumping equipment. Work is about to start on a scheme to transfer water from the Exe to the Taw. Water is also to be transferred from the Tamar to the Tavey, using a pipe that was put in after the 1976 drought.]",HC Deb 01 August 1984 vol 65 cc358-65,England,UKK,,,,SI,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/aug/01/water-supplies-south-west,,
236,1,8,1984,Summer,1,8,1984,Summer,"State change [Mr Gow: The South West water authority has taken every step to seek to persuade its customers to limit their consumption. It has distributed about 300,000 leaflets. It has used radio, through public service announcements, and by advertising. It has advertised on television and in newspapers, urging its consumers to halve their consumption.]",HC Deb 01 August 1984 vol 65 cc358-65,England,UKK,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/aug/01/water-supplies-south-west,,
237,1,8,1984,Summer,1,8,1984,Summer,"State change [Mr Gow: The measures taken by the water authority have had significant effect. Consumption earlier in the year was running at 10 per cent. above 1983 levels, but the people of Devon and Cornwall have responded to the authority's appeals to use water responsibly. In July, in the region as a whole, consumption was running at 12 per cent. below 1983 levels.]",HC Deb 01 August 1984 vol 65 cc358-65,England,UKK,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/aug/01/water-supplies-south-west,,
238,1,8,1984,Summer,1,8,1984,Summer,State change [Mr Gow: The hon. Member for Truro asked me about the new reservoir at Roadford. I was asked whether I would have any power to alter the permission which has already been granted. The hon. Member will remember that outline planning permission has been granted for a reservoir with a reliable yield not exceeding 87.3 megalitres per day. Work on that new reservoir is due to start next year.],HC Deb 01 August 1984 vol 65 cc358-65,England,UKK,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/aug/01/water-supplies-south-west,,
239,1,8,1984,Summer,1,8,1984,Summer,"Impact (infrastructure projects) [Mr Gow: I think that the customers of the South West water authority will want work on the reservoir to start at the earliest possible moment. They will also want it to be completed at the earliest possible moment. I have, of course, no power to alter the planning permission which has already been granted. It would be open to the authority to seek to vary the permission which has been given, but I have no indication whatever that that is in the mind of the authority.]",HC Deb 01 August 1984 vol 65 cc358-65,England,UKK,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/aug/01/water-supplies-south-west,,
240,1,8,1984,Summer,1,8,1984,Summer,State change [Mr Gow I think that it was common ground among all those who addressed the House that there is a widespread preference among customers of the authority for rota cuts as against standpipes.],HC Deb 01 August 1984 vol 65 cc358-65,England,UKK,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/aug/01/water-supplies-south-west,,
241,22,10,1984,Autumn,22,10,1984,Autumn,"Cost of drought for the economy [Mr. Coleman asked the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the cost to the Welsh economy of the current year's drought in Wales; and if he will make a statement.  Sir Raymond Gower asked the Secretary of State for Wales what conclusions he has reached concerning the effects of the water shortage as it affected Wales; and what assessment he has made regarding the steps taken by the Welsh water authority to deal with its effects, particularly in the parts of the Principality worst affected.]",HC Deb 22 October 1984 vol 65 c409W 409W,Wales,UKL,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/oct/22/drought-cost,,Cost of drought on the economy
242,22,10,1984,Autumn,22,10,1984,Autumn,"Impact (improved water supply systems after the 1976 drought) State change (water restrictions; now lifted); Impact on agriculture [Mr. Wyn Roberts: I am sure right hon. and hon. Members will have been pleased to hear of the lifting of all restrictions on the use of water in Wales. The avoidance of cut-offs was due to improvements made to the water supply systems since 1976 and to the ingenuity shown by the authority in carrying out temporary works, particularly in south east Wales. Another factor was the reduction in consumption made by all consumers. The only readily discernible sector of the Welsh economy that was adversely affected by the drought was agriculture, the effect varying from area to area with the individual enterprise. Obviously there are lessons to be learned from this year's drought and I have asked the authority to review the situation and to let me have a report.]",HC Deb 22 October 1984 vol 65 c409W 409W,Wales,UKL,,,,SI,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/oct/22/drought-cost,,Impact on the economy/ agriculture
243,24,10,1984,Autumn,24,10,1984,Autumn,"A code of practice on water authorities' relations with the press[Dr. Glyn asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied that Thames water, and other water authorities, are adhering to the code of practice agreed for providing information to the media; and if he has evidence of any particular water authority which is in default. Mr. Waldegrave: The code of practice on water authorities' relations with the press, drawn up by the Water Authorities' Association in consultation with the Guild of British Newspaper Editors and approved by Ministers, provides for a frank and open relationship between water authorities and the media.]",HC Deb 24 October 1984 vol 65 c635W,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/oct/24/water-authorities,,
244,29,10,1984,Autumn,29,10,1984,Autumn,"Impact: (regulation regarding water authorities’ obligations to inform the media and business sector)[Mr. Michie asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what efforts he has made to ensure water authorities comply with his intention that press conferences are held after all meetings; (2) what steps have been taken to implement a code of practice incorporating the points made during the Committee stage of the Water Bill, for water authorities and their obligations to inform the media of their activities and business at meetings.]",HC Deb 29 October 1984 vol 65 c860W 860W,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/oct/29/water-authorities,,
245,29,10,1984,Autumn,29,10,1984,Autumn,"Impact (regulation regarding water authorities’ obligations to inform the media and business sector) [Mr. Gow The Water Authorities Association, in consultation with the Guild of British Newspaper Editors, drew up a code of practice last year which we endorsed. The water authorities are independent statutory bodies and it is for them to decide on matters of day to day management including their relations with the press.]",HC Deb 29 October 1984 vol 65 c860W 860W,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/oct/29/water-authorities,,
246,30,10,1984,Autumn,30,10,1984,Autumn,Pressure (it is implied the government should do more to encourage water infrastructure investment) [Mr. Skinner asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what new measures he now intends to introduce to implement the policy of encouraging water authorities to place sufficient orders for pipes and other equipment. Mr. Gow: None. The water authorities are responsible for the execution of their substantial capital programmes.],HC Deb 30 October 1984 vol 65 c932W 932W,"England,Wales",,,,,P,Report [Water authority],Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/oct/30/water-authorities,,
247,31,10,1984,Autumn,31,10,1984,Autumn,"Driver (water leakage, poor infrastructure); Impact (anticipated measures for stopping the water leakages) [Lord Molson; (...): To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they accept that between 25–30 per cent, of water, valued at £45 million, is being wasted annually by leakage; and if so, what steps are being taken to remedy this before the next drought, and whether Exchequer assistance will be given.]",HL Deb 31 October 1984 vol 456 cc515-8,"England,Wales",,,,,DI,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1984/oct/31/water-waste-by-leakage,,
248,31,10,1984,Autumn,31,10,1984,Autumn,"Impact (anticipated measures for stopping the water leakages) [Lord Skelmersdale My Lords, the percentage and value of water put into supply which is unaccounted for, principally because of leakage, vary widely from place to place. A survey in 1977 put this figure at approximately 24 per cent. for the United Kingdom as a whole. However, in some areas the figure can be much higher. 516 Water authorities and companies have adopted policies for detecting and controlling leakage which concentrate effort on places where the value of the water saved justifies the costs incurred. Recently-developed equipment to prevent excess pressures in water mains is proving to be particularly successful in reducing leakage. This is now coming into wide use.]",HL Deb 31 October 1984 vol 456 cc515-8,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1984/oct/31/water-waste-by-leakage,,
249,31,10,1984,Autumn,31,10,1984,Autumn,"Driver (water leakage, poor infrastructures); Impact (anticipated measures for stopping the water leakages) [Lord Molson: (...) Was it known before the beginning of the drought that there was this serious problem of leakage from the mains and from water pipes? Secondly, since the whole financial policy of the water authorities is strictly controlled by the Secretary of State, can we be assured that water authorities will be allowed sufficient freedom in obtaining money to carry out the necessary repairs to these mains? Do the Government agree that it is preferable for money to be spent on maintaining the essential infrastructure of the country rather than for it to be spent on unemployment?]",HL Deb 31 October 1984 vol 456 cc515-8,"England,Wales",,,,,DI,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1984/oct/31/water-waste-by-leakage,,
250,31,10,1984,Autumn,31,10,1984,Autumn,"Impact (anticipated measures for stopping the water leakages) [Lord Skelmersdale: My Lords, there are about 180,000 miles of undertakers' mains, and a similar length of supply pipes in the ownership of consumers in England and Wales. Therefore, there will always be a certain amount of leakage. What one has to ascertain is at what point it ceases to become cost-effective to repair this leakage. As to my noble friend's question on the budget of water authorities, yes, the budget is approved in each case by my right honourable friend the Secretary of State; and for those procedures which the water authorities themselves wish to carry out there is sufficient money.]",HL Deb 31 October 1984 vol 456 cc515-8,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1984/oct/31/water-waste-by-leakage,,
251,31,10,1984,Autumn,31,10,1984,Autumn,"Driver (water leakage, poor infrastructure); Impact (anticipated measures for stopping the water leakages) [Lord Maude of Stratford-upon-Avon: My Lords, while this system is obviously a pretty uneconomic way of transporting water, is it really true to say that all this water is being wasted? Apart from burst water mains in built-up areas where water is lost through storm drains, surely the leakage from underground pipes is absorbed into the ground and goes to replenish the water table? Lord Skelmersdale My Lords, I wish that that were entirely so. But of course there is an uptake by plants; and it finds its way into rivers and so down into the sea. It also finds its way into ponds and it is lost through evaporation.]",HL Deb 31 October 1984 vol 456 cc515-8,"England,Wales",,,,,DPI,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1984/oct/31/water-waste-by-leakage,,
252,31,10,1984,Autumn,31,10,1984,Autumn,"Driver (water leakage, poor infrastructure); [Lord Nugent of Guildford My Lords, is my noble friend aware that the water authorities in the past few years have most impressively developed techniques for surveying the mains water supplies without digging up the roads? They use various methods such as radar screens, and so on; and they have television cameras actually placed in the mains. Thus they have been able to work out techniques for repairing and re-lining mains in situ, which is greatly to the benefit of the economy for they do not have to dig up and replace the system. Massive progress has been made and the water authorities should be given some credit for the progress that they have made in this fashion. While it is true that they could make even more progress if they had the money to enable them to carry out more service and repairs, they have achieved a very great deal in this particular respect.]",HL Deb 31 October 1984 vol 456 cc515-8,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1984/oct/31/water-waste-by-leakage,,
253,19,11,1984,Autumn,19,11,1984,Autumn,"Water rates [Mr. Roger Freeman (Kettering) I shall concentrate on water authority charges that are levied on the domestic consumer in England. I want to dwell on how those charges are levied rather than on the absolute level. I believe that there is a widely-held feeling of injustice, and that that has become much more apparent since the separation of water rates from the general municipal rate—a process that began in 1974. I and many other hon. Members are well aware of the fact that our constituents are basically discontented about the method of assessing water charges by using the rateable value of the consumer's property. Many consumers believe that that method is inaccurate and discriminatory.]",HC Deb 19 December 1984 vol 70 cc448-57,"England,Wales",,,,,P,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/dec/19/water-charges,,Water charges
254,19,11,1984,Autumn,19,11,1984,Autumn,"Water rates [Mr. Roger Freeman (Kettering) The Water Act 1973 required the industry by April 1981 to ensure that its charging policy should be so organised and arranged that there should be no undue preference towards and no discrimination against any class of persons. That laudable aim has never been fulfilled. By 1980 the National Water Council, which has now disappeared, in considering the basis of charging for water, baulked at the introduction of metering. It said: Neither the economic benefits nor the benefit to consumers justify a commitment to universal metering at present. How it could have reached that firm conclusion without evidence and extensive trials I do not know, but that was the conclusion then.]",HC Deb 19 December 1984 vol 70 cc448-57,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/dec/19/water-charges,,Water charges
255,19,11,1984,Autumn,19,11,1984,Autumn,"Impact (anticipated, the introduction of water meters for domestic consumers) [Mr. Murphy asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what encouragement the Government are giving to the introduction of water meters for domestic consumers; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Gow: I have invited the water industry to undertake a joint study with my Department and to report to the Government on the possible extension of water metering generally to households. The chairman of the Thames water authority has agreed to head the steering group for this study, in which the water companies will participate.]",HC Deb 19 November 1984 vol 68 c31W 31W,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/nov/19/water-meters,,
256,28,11,1984,Autumn,28,11,1984,Autumn,"Capital investment in the water industry [Dr. Cunningham: How does the Minister explain his sudden conversion to higher capital investment in the water industry when, in the past two financial years, he has presided over an underspend in excess of £100 million? Is it not adding insult to injury to those people who suffered severe water shortages this year to impose upon them some of the biggest increases in water rates? Is not the reality that the manipulation of external financing limits is simply a tax on water consumers? Why does the hon. Gentleman not face the truth? Mr. Gow: The hon. Gentleman had left what was then the rather esoteric atmosphere of No. 10 Downing street before the famous letter of 15 December 1976 was written to Dr. Witterveen by his right hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, East (Mr. Healey).]",HC Deb 28 November 1984 vol 68 cc919-21,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/nov/28/water-and-sewerage-industries,,Investment
257,28,11,1984,Autumn,28,11,1984,Autumn,"Water charges and higher investment [Mr. Gow The hon. Gentleman has not understood that a consequence of higher water charges will be the much needed higher investment, for which the hon. Gentleman called earlier this year. He is aware that in the south-west work is starting about now on the third of the strategic reservoirs. In the public sector we are seeking to follow the necessary disciplines of obtaining a proper return on investment. A 1 per cent. return on investment is inadequate for the water industry.]",HC Deb 28 November 1984 vol 68 cc919-21,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/nov/28/water-and-sewerage-industries,,Charges
258,28,11,1984,Autumn,28,11,1984,Autumn,"Water charge [Mr. Gow The increase in water charges in the next financial year will vary from region to region and from authority to authority. The average water charge levied by water authorities in the current financial year is £78. If the average charge rises by 10 per cent. next year, the bill will rise from £78 to £85 or, to put it another way, from 21p a day to 23p a day. Water charges are taken fully into account when supplementary benefit is calculated. Some 3 million households receive help in the way that I have described.]",HC Deb 28 November 1984 vol 68 cc919-21,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/nov/28/water-and-sewerage-industries,,Investment 
259,28,11,1984,Autumn,28,11,1984,Autumn,"Financial expenditure on the infrastructure [Mr. Hicks I welcome the intention to increase the level of financial expenditure on the infrastructure. Does my hon. Friend think that it is sensible at this stage to impose a water tax on consumers, especially when we are all anxious to keep down inflation and when the general public are still worried about the basis on which water and sewerage charges are imposed? Mr. Gow My hon. Friend is not right in referring to this as a water tax. There is a danger in thinking that one can have higher investment in the water industry, and more money spent on the repair of sewers and the construction of reservoirs, without paying for all of this. The targets that have been set by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor are in no way unreasonable. The present rate of return on assets is only 1 per cent. Under my right hon. Friend's proposals, the average rate of return next year is estimated to be 1.4 per cent.; in 1986–87, 1.7 per cent.; and in 1987–88, 1.9 per cent.]",HC Deb 28 November 1984 vol 68 cc919-21,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/nov/28/water-and-sewerage-industries,,Investment
260,28,11,1984,Autumn,28,11,1984,Autumn,"Investment [Mr. Gow The public expenditure provision for water authorities announced in the autumn statement of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is expected to enable their investment to increase by about £80 million, or 12 per cent., in 1985–86. This takes account of the needs identified in the water authorities' 1984 corporate plans, including the development of water resources, faster progress with the renewal of sewers and water mains and further work to restore or maintain the quality of rivers, estuaries and coastal waters.]",HC Deb 28 November 1984 vol 68 cc919-21,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/nov/28/water-and-sewerage-industries,,Investment
261,28,11,1984,Autumn,28,11,1984,Autumn,Water rates [Mr. Beith asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what he expects to be the impact of his proposals for targets for water authorities on the water rates levied in the Northumbrian water authority's area. Mr. Macfarlane I expect the increase to be above the general rate of inflation but I cannot be more precise because I have yet to reach agreement on financial targets with individual water authorities and the effect on charges will only become clear when the authority fixes its budget early next year.],HC Deb 28 November 1984 vol 68 c506W,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/nov/28/northumbrian-water-authority,,Charges
262,29,11,1984,Autumn,29,11,1984,Autumn,"Water authorities’ borrowing [Mr. Rooker asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will set out in the Official Report the effect on each water authority of the autumn statement's changes in loan repayments. Mr. MacFarlane In 1985–86 the water authorities' net borrowing and other external finance will be limited to £203 million, of which £20 million is for the Welsh water authority. English water authorities are still being consulted on the allocation of external finance to individual authorities, but only the Thames water authority will be expected to repay outstanding loans.]",HC Deb 29 November 1984 vol 68 c557W 557W,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/nov/29/water-authorities,,Water authorities' borrowings
263,15,1,1985,Winter,15,1,1985,Winter,"Financial targets and limits for water authorities [Mr. Macfarlane: The Government set financial targets and external finance limits for water authorities each year. The higher financial target being set for 1985–86 should allow Southern water, consistently with its external finance limit for that year, to increase its spending on capital works by about 10 per cent and further increases are provisionally planned for later years.]",HC Deb 15 January 1985 vol 71 c96W,"England,Wales",,,,,,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1985/jan/15/southern-water-autority,,Financial targets
264,21,1,1985,Winter,21,1,1985,Winter,"Water Authorities: Finance Policy [The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment (The Earl of Avon): My Lords, the statutes have provided water authority customers with no formal procedure for objecting to water charges apart from the right under paragraph 39C of Schedule 3 to the Water Act 1973 (as amended by a schedule to the Local Government Finance Act 1982) to inspect the accounts at each audit and to make representations to the auditor. But they are free to express their opinions on their own account or through the consumer consultative committees which were established under the Water Act 1983 to represent consumers' interests to the water authorities and the companies.]",HL Deb 21 January 1985 vol 459 cc1-4,"England,Wales",,,,,,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1985/jan/21/water-authorities-finance-policy,,Water Authorities: Finance Policy 
265,21,1,1985,Winter,21,1,1985,Winter,"General Discussions not directly linked to a drought episode Water Authorities: Finance Policy [The Earl of Kinnoull: My Lords, may I thank my noble friend for that long reply? Would he not agree that the present accounting system for statutory bodies and nationalised industries, known as the ""current cost convention"" and the target rates of return throw up some unjustified and excessive profits, to the detriment of consumers? Would my noble friend say what is the justification, for instance, of the Thames Water Authority needing to produce profits estimated at £70 million for 1985–86 that a 12 per cent. increase in charges would produce?]",HL Deb 21 January 1985 vol 459 cc1-4,"England,Wales",,,,,P,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1985/jan/21/water-authorities-finance-policy,,Water Authorities: Finance Policy 
266,21,1,1985,Winter,21,1,1985,Winter,"General Discussions not directly linked to a drought episode, Water Authorities: Finance Policy [Baroness Birk: My Lords, where is the logic at the moment in compelling water authorities to increase their charges to the ratepayer at a time when local authorities are being forced to do exactly the opposite? Secondly, is it not true, as the CBI has pointed out, that at a time when the target is to reduce industrial costs, the increase of 25 to 30 per cent. in real terms over the next three years for an essential commodity is a serious blow for manufacturing industry? So is it not true that both domestic and industrial consumers are suffering very badly—industry as a whole and the ratepayers as a whole—through the Government's actions alone?]",HL Deb 21 January 1985 vol 459 cc1-4,"England,Wales",,,,,P,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1985/jan/21/water-authorities-finance-policy,,Water Authorities: Finance Policy 
267,21,1,1985,Winter,21,1,1985,Winter,"General Discussions not directly linked to a drought episode, Water Authorities: Finance Policy [The Earl of Avon: My Lords, somebody else has to pay. The higher returns will allow the water authorities to undertake more investment in water services and sewerage, and next year the higher investment is expected to be about £80 million, with further increases in later years. The higher charges ensure that the consumer and not the taxpayer pays for the improved service that he receives.]",HL Deb 21 January 1985 vol 459 cc1-4,"England,Wales",,,,,P,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1985/jan/21/water-authorities-finance-policy,,Water Authorities: Finance Policy 
268,21,1,1985,Winter,21,1,1985,Winter,"General Discussions not directly linked to a drought episode, Water Authorities: Finance Policy [Lord Nugent of Guildford: My Lords, is my noble friend aware that the water industry, like other nationalised industries, is required to provide for its capital programme by a measure of self-finance? Is he aware that the water industry is at a far lower scale than any other nationalised industry, having inherited a situation where there was no self-financing at all for capital expenditure and so the whole of the burden fell on the Public Works Loans Board—in other words, on the shoulders of the whole community? Therefore is my noble friend aware that it is very much in the interests of all concerned that the measure of self-financing by the water industry, including the Thames Water Authority, should be increased so that the amount of money required to be borne by the rest of the community is reduced?]",HL Deb 21 January 1985 vol 459 cc1-4,"England,Wales",,,,,P,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1985/jan/21/water-authorities-finance-policy,,Water Authorities: Finance Policy 
269,24,1,1985,Winter,24,1,1985,Winter,"Water Industry: nationalised? [Baroness Burton of Coventry: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they regard the water industry as a nationalised industry and, if not, what would be a correct classification. Lord Skelmersdale: Yes, my Lords. However, they have regulatory functions in relation to river quality which set them apart from the more typical nationalised industries.]",HL Deb 24 January 1985 vol 459 cc377-9,"England,Wales",,,,,,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1985/jan/24/water-industry-classification,,Water industry: classification as a nationalised industry
270,24,1,1985,Winter,24,1,1985,Winter,"Water Industry, nationalised? [Baroness Burton of Coventry: My Lords, is the Minister aware that there seems to have been no definite pronouncement that the water industries are regarded as a nationalised industry? Am I not correct in saying that during the past couple of years regional water authorities have been classified as nationalised industries for public expenditure survey purposes? Also, can the Minister give any information about the consultation proposals recently issued by the Treasury on nationalised industry legislation?]",HL Deb 24 January 1985 vol 459 cc377-9,"England,Wales",,,,,,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1985/jan/24/water-industry-classification,,Water industry: classification as a nationalised industry
271,24,1,1985,Winter,24,1,1985,Winter,"Water industry, nationalised? [Lord Skelmersdale: My Lords, under the Water Acts 1973 and 1983 water authorities are subject to Ministerial appointment, powers of Ministerial direction, and financial controls of the same kind as are other nationalised industries. They are treated as nationalised industries for the purposes of public expenditure controls and financial monitoring. So far as the consultation paper involving my right honourable friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is concerned, I am afraid that I can give the noble Baroness no information.]",HL Deb 24 January 1985 vol 459 cc377-9,"England,Wales",,,,,,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1985/jan/24/water-industry-classification,,Water industry: classification as a nationalised industry
272,24,1,1985,Winter,24,1,1985,Winter,"Water charges [Lord Molson My Lords, is it not a fact that under the Act of 1983 there are consumer councils which have a right to make representations in respect of charges levied by water authorities? Does the same  apply when the Government impose upon the water authorities an extra charge? Will the Government pay attention to representations made to them by the consumers' committees? Lord Skelmersdale My Lords, we are not yet in a position of knowing what extra charges there will be, because the water authorities will not be deciding until March upon the charges they will be making within the financial limitations laid down by my right honourable friend the Secretary of State. So far as the consumer consultative committees are concerned, my right honourable friend receives the reports, though they are made in the first instance to the water authority concerned.]",HL Deb 24 January 1985 vol 459 cc377-9,"England,Wales",,,,,,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1985/jan/24/water-industry-classification,,Water charges
273,24,1,1985,Winter,24,1,1985,Winter,"Water industry, nationalised? [Lord Nugent of Guildford: My Lords, is my noble friend aware that it is common practice for all nationalised industries to provide out of their own resources a proportion of their capital expenditure? That is a normal principle in all nationalised industries and it has been for years. The only difference so far as the water industry is concerned is that it has only recently started on this path. In fact, it is self-financing a far smaller proportion of its capital expenditure than are other nationalised industries.]",HL Deb 24 January 1985 vol 459 cc377-9,"England,Wales",,,,,P,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1985/jan/24/water-industry-classification,,Water industry: classification as a nationalised industry
274,25,1,1985,Winter,25,1,1985,Winter,"Water authorities’ credit options [Mr. Skeet: asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to enable water authorities to borrow on the open market. Mr. Macfarlane: Water authorities are enabled by virtue of section 2(1) of the Water Act 1983 to borrow on the open market, subject to the consent of the Secretary of State and the approval of the Treasury.]",HC Deb 25 January 1985 vol 71 cc554-5W,"England,Wales",,,,,,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1985/jan/25/water-authorities,,Water authorities' credit options
275,25,1,1985,Winter,25,1,1985,Winter,"Water authorities’ credit and investment [Mr. Macfarlane As the following table shows, the higher rates of return to be achieved by the water  authorities in England in 1985–86 will enable £76 million more investment to go ahead with £71 million less borrowing.]",HC Deb 25 January 1985 vol 71 cc554-5W,"England,Wales",,,,,P,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1985/jan/25/water-authorities,,Water authorities' credit and investment 
276,28,1,1985,Winter,28,1,1985,Winter,"Water authorities’ financial situation [Mr. Skeet: asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the implications for the quality of services provided by water authorities of the proposed increase in their rate of return on net assets. Mr. Macfarlane: The effect cannot be precisely assessed, but the higher rates of return will support higher investment in water services. Although priorities differ from region to region, this is expected to include higher spending on renovation and renewal of sewers and water mains, with consequent benefit to service levels, and additional outlays aimed at improving the quality of rivers, estuaries and coastal waters.]",HC Deb 28 January 1985 vol 72 c2W,"England,Wales",,,,,P,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1985/jan/28/water-authorities,,Water authorities’ financial situation 
277,28,1,1985,Winter,28,1,1985,Winter,"General discussion, not directly linked to a drought episode. Water authorities’ financial situation [Mr. Skeet: asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimates he has made of the effect upon the construction industry of the proposed changes in the financial framework of the water authorities. Mr. Macfarlane: The financial targets that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced in reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Leominster (Mr. Temple-Morris) on 12 November 1984 at columns 68–69, will allow a significant real increase in capital investment by the water authorities. The planning investment levels for the authorities in the public expenditure White Paper (Cmnd. 9428) are £852 million (1985–86), £914 million (1986–87) and £964 million (1987–88). This will enable the authorities to maintain and improve services, secure further improvement in the quality of our rivers, estuaries and beaches and make faster progress on the replacement, repair and maintenance of sewers and water mains. As most of this work will be contracted out to the private sector, it will be of direct benefit to the construction industry.]",HC Deb 28 January 1985 vol 72 c2W,"England,Wales",,,,,P,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1985/jan/28/water-authorities,,Water authorities’ financial situation 
278,28,1,1985,Winter,28,1,1985,Winter,"Water Charges [Mr. Skeet asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek to introduce a statutory rebate system for water charges to lower paid customers. Mr. Macfarlane No. It has been the policy of successive Governments that, if help is needed, it is provided through the social security system. Water services charges are taken into account when supplementary benefit is calculated, and some 3 million households already receive help in this way.]",HC Deb 28 January 1985 vol 72 cc2-3W,"England,Wales",,,,,P,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1985/jan/28/water-charges,,Water charges
279,31,1,1985,Winter,31,1,1985,Winter,"Water Industry, Privatisation [Mr. Wheeler asked the Prime Minister if she will consider proposals for the privatisation of the water industry. The Prime Minister The Government would welcome new ideas on privatisation. However, the water authorities are natural monopolies for many of their functions and we need to be particularly careful when considering replacing a public monopoly by a private one. Because of the environmental and public health responsibilities, any proposal to privatise them would also raise issues of regulation. There are 30 private water companies which are concerned only with water supply and which are mainly regulated by statute.]",HC Deb 31 January 1985 vol 72 c292W,"England,Wales",,,,,,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1985/jan/31/water-industry-privatisation,,"Water industry, privatisation"
280,1,2,1985,Winter,1,2,1985,Winter,"Water Pricing and public consultation [Mr. Gerald Bermingham (St. Helens, South)  Until 1983, water authority meetings were open and there were no problems. However, schedule 5 of the Water Act 1983 provided that the reconstituted water authorities should have the discretion to exclude the press. The nine English authorities and the Welsh authority met. The Welsh authority did not worry about the press and the public attending its meetings and said, ""We shall carry on as before."" To its eternal credit, its latest decision has been to continue the policy of open meetings. There are no problems with regard to secrecy in the Welsh water authority. […] However, the English authorities decided to meet behind closed doors. Almost every newspaper in the land has thundered against that decision, because the public have a right to know what happens at water authority meetings. We are told that water rates will increase by an average of 12 per cent this year. The North-Western water authority has said that there will be a 40 per cent. increase during the next three years, and the Thames water authority has said that water rates will increase by 29 per cent. during the next three years. But the public do not know why.]",HC Deb 01 February 1985 vol 72 cc581-4,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1985/feb/01/water-authorities-meetings-bill,,Water pricing and public consultation 
281,1,2,1985,Winter,1,2,1985,Winter,"Water pricing and public consultation [Mr. Bermingham: Today we are talking about water authorities, which are taxation-raising bodies. They can raise taxes from every householder with a water supply, so that their activities apply to 99.9 per cent. of the population. Yet for some unknown reason there is a desire for those bodies to meet behind closed doors. Why? What has happened to the water industry since 1983? We are told that it has changed its format and shape and that it is more like a nationalised industry which has undergone a reduction in the size of boards, the members of which have a more managerial type function. That is all a load of baloney.]",HC Deb 01 February 1985 vol 72 cc581-4,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1985/feb/01/water-authorities-meetings-bill,,Water pricing and public consultation 
282,1,2,1985,Winter,1,2,1985,Winter,"Water pricing and public consultation [Mr. Bermingham: The water industry is a national asset which is divided into nine areas, and those areas are arbitrary in their format and layout. Before 1983, local authorities had an input into those boards by way of the members they appointed or sent as representatives to their meetings. By that means we had a degree of accountability and knowledge.]",HC Deb 01 February 1985 vol 72 cc581-4,"England,Wales",,,,,,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1985/feb/01/water-authorities-meetings-bill,,Water pricing and public consultation 
283,1,2,1985,Winter,1,2,1985,Winter,"Water pricing and public consultation [Mr. Bermingham:  At the heart of this issue lies a simple principle. If an organisation has the right to raise taxation—call it rates or whatever—it must be accountable. The only way it can be accountable is by being open, honest and above board in its dealings with the public. That means letting the press and public know what is being done. If decisions are justified publicly, there can be no ill-informed speculation and people are saved unnecessary worry. Against that background, I commend the Bill to the House.]",HC Deb 01 February 1985 vol 72 cc581-4,"England,Wales",,,,,,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1985/feb/01/water-authorities-meetings-bill,,Water pricing and public consultation 
284,6,2,1985,Winter,6,2,1985,Winter,"General discussion not linked to a drought episode. Water authorities’ financial targets and rates [Mr. Hicks: asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the response of water authorities to the Government's decision to revise their financial targets in 1985–86; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Gow: I understand my hon. Friend's point, but it is Government policy that a proper rate of return should be earned by assets in the public sector. As to the effect of inflation, a 1 per cent. increase in water charges would add one hundredth of 1 per cent. to the retail prices index. Mercifully, charges for water are a modest part of household budgets. Moreover, water charges are taken fully into account when calculating supplementary benefit, and 3 million households receive help in that way.]",HC Deb 06 February 1985 vol 72 cc935-6,"England,Wales",,,,,P,"Legislation, Regulation",Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1985/feb/06/water-authorities,,
285,6,2,1985,Winter,6,2,1985,Winter,"Water authorities’ rates [Mr. Bermingham: Will the Minister come clean either now or tomorrow and admit that the Government are imposing a tax on users of water, whether private or industrial? There is a tax on gas and electricity for the benefit of the Government's coffers, and water authorities are now being used in exactly the same way. Mr. Gow: I do not agree that the Government are imposing a tax on water. We are requiring a higher rate of return on assets owned by water authorities. A consequence of that higher rate of return will be higher investment and a reduction in borrowing. The latter is a central purpose of the Government's economic policy.]",HC Deb 06 February 1985 vol 72 cc935-6,"England,Wales",,,,,P,"Legislation, Regulation",Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1985/feb/06/water-authorities,,
286,7,2,1985,Winter,7,2,1985,Winter,"Driver: poor infrastructure; State change: allocation of funds for infrastructure investment [Mr. Gow The higher financial targets set by the Government will fund higher investment next year of about £90 million, bringing the total to £814 million, an increase of 12.5 per cent., as compared with the provision for this year. This extra investment in the infrastructure is something for which demands have been made within and without the House, and not least after last year's drought. ]",HC Deb 07 February 1985 vol 72 cc1127-94,"England,Wales",,,,,DR,"Legislation, Regulation",Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1985/feb/07/water-authorities-return-on-assets,,Discussion about infrastructure investment
287,7,2,1985,Winter,7,2,1985,Winter,"Driver: poor management of water reservoirs [Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop:  If my hon. Friend were familiar with the history of the South-West water authority of the past decade and a half, she would know that delays went into years, not months, for example at Meldon reservoir. Plans for Swincombe reservoir were frustrated, and it did not come into existence. If those reservoirs had functioned when they should have, the picture of drought would have been wholly different. The delay at Roadford reservoir prevented it from functioning during last year's drought.]",HC Deb 07 February 1985 vol 72 cc1127-94,"England,Wales",,,,,D,"Legislation, Regulation",Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1985/feb/07/water-authorities-return-on-assets,,Discussion about infrastructure investment
288,7,2,1985,Winter,7,2,1985,Winter,"Driver: poor management of water reservoirs [Mr. Dafydd Wigley (Caernarfon): As hon. Members will recall from previous debates, water in Wales is a burning issue. Indeed, it is hot water that has become even hotter today. Wales is in the unenviable position of suffering from excess rainfall, which leads to floods, and of having inadequate reservoir and water networks, which leads to drought in summer. It exports water to regions such as the Severn-Trent water authority and the North-West water authority, but Welsh consumers pay twice as much rate poundage as the consumers in those areas. Wales seems to get the worst of all worlds.]",HC Deb 07 February 1985 vol 72 cc1127-94,"England,Wales",,,,,D,"Legislation, Regulation",Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1985/feb/07/water-authorities-return-on-assets,,Discussion about infrastructure investment
289,7,2,1985,Winter,7,2,1985,Winter,"Driver: insufficient investment in water infrastructure [Mr. Wigley: What we are seeing is an increase in the water capital investment programme in England and Wales for the next year from £686 million to £769 million. That is an increase of £83 million in the investment that the Government recognise is needed in the water industry. The hon. Member for Derbyshire, South (Mrs. Currie) referred to projects that need to be undertaken. We in Wales know from last summer's drought and from the floods of a few years ago of the expenditure needed, and I recognise that other areas have needs as well. There is recognition by the Government of a need for £83 million more in capital expenditure, but at the same time the Government, because of their monetarist and cash limits policies, have decreased the external financial limit from £264 million to £183 million, which is a drop of £81 million. Taking those two together, this is a difference of £164 million that has to be met; a shortfall of £164 million.]",HC Deb 07 February 1985 vol 72 cc1127-94,"England,Wales",,,,,D,"Legislation, Regulation",Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1985/feb/07/water-authorities-return-on-assets,,Discussion about infrastructure investment
290,7,2,1985,Winter,7,2,1985,Winter,"Driver: poor water infrastructure and under-allocation of infrastructure resources [Mr. Simon Hughes (Southwark and Bermondsey): The amazing difference between a well-run authority such as Wessex and some of the complaints that we have heard today is also revealed in a reply which the chairman of the Wessex authority has given to the CBI, whose views were quoted with approval by several hon. Members. He said: I do not believe that it is generally true that the setting of financial targets in the form of return on assets is unnecessarily adding to charges. It is not so in Wessex … It is past capital expenditure on storage, mains, telemetry and automation that has enabled us in Wessex, in the last ten years, to get through two droughts, a strike and exceptionally severe winter storms without any real inconvenience to industry or our other customers, and at the same time to reduce operating costs by 2 per cent. per annum for the past four years—a trend which is continuing. For the future, I believe that the levels of investment now proposed are what industry should be asking for and supporting.]",HC Deb 07 February 1985 vol 72 cc1127-94,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1985/feb/07/water-authorities-return-on-assets,,Discussion about infrastructure investment
291,13,2,1985,Winter,13,2,1985,Winter,"Impact: discussion about potential allocation of funds by the gov to mitigate the effect of drought in  Wales [Mr. Anderson asked the Secretary of State for Wales what additional financial assistance he will give to the Welsh water authority to compensate for the effects of the drought in 1984. Mr. Wyn Roberts There are no additional financial resources immediately available to meet the costs of the drought in 1984. The Welsh water authority is responsible for establishing priorities within the overall total of moneys available to meet capital and revenue expenditure, including expenditure during exceptional events such as last year's drought. These moneys are found from charges made to the consumers and through external borrowing on which a limit is set up by the Government.]",HC Deb 13 February 1985 vol 73 c188W,Wales,UKL,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1985/feb/13/welsh-water-authority-financial,,
292,13,3,1985,Spring,13,3,1985,Spring,"Welsh water authority’s financing [Mr. Nicholas Edwards: The Welsh water authority estimates that it will exceed the 1984–85 external financing limit of £19.6 million by about £3 million. This has arisen because of the additional costs incurred in last year's drought and severance payments following the major reorganisation undertaken by the authority in the autumn of 1984 and despite the authority achieving considerable offsetting savings in revenue and capital expenditure. In these exceptional circumstances I have increased the water authority's external financing limit for 1984–85 by £3 million from £19.6 million to £22.6 million. Offsetting savings have been found from the cash limit on Class XVI, 1, which has been reduced by £3 million from £741,490,000 to £738,490,000.]",HC Deb 13 March 1985 vol 75 c157W,Wales,UKL,,,,,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1985/mar/13/welsh-water-authority,,Water authority's financing
293,4,7,1985,Summer,4,7,1985,Summer,"Water Authorities capital expenditure [Mr. Freud asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the actual capital expenditure in 1984–85 of each of the water authorities before allowing for grants and contributions; and if he will list these figures for the previous five years and give his best estimates for the years 1985–86, 1986–87 and 1987–88 before allowing for grants and contributions at either 1985–86 prices or estimated outturn prices for each of the authorities. Mr. Macfarlane The information requested is as follows: (it can be found at the provided internet link)]",HC Deb 04 July 1985 vol 82 cc218-9W,"England,Wales",,,,,,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1985/jul/04/water-authorities,,Water Authorities capital expenditure 
294,21,11,1985,Autumn,21,11,1985,Autumn,"Welsh water authority rate, expenditure etc [Mr. Freud asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing, for the Welsh water authority, in cash and real terms, since 1979, taking that as the base year (a)the water rate, (b) the percentage change in water rate, (c) the capital expenditure and (d) the percentage change in capital expenditure. Mr. Mark Robinson: The information requested for the Welsh water authority is as follows (data available at the provided link)]",HC Deb 21 November 1985 vol 87 cc280-1W,Wales,UKL,,,,,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1985/nov/21/welsh-water-authority,,"Welsh water authority's rate, expenditure, finances"
295,21,11,1985,Autumn,21,11,1985,Autumn,"Report on water authorities’ financial situation [Mr. Freud asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing (a) for each water authority in England in cash and real terms since 1979, taking that as the base year (i) the water rate, (ii) the percentage change in water rate, (iii) capital expenditure and (iv) the percentage change in capital expenditure and (b) for all local water authorities in England in cash and real terms since 1979, taking that as the base year (1) the average water rate and percentage change and (2) the total capital expenditure and percentage change. (Data available at the provided link)]",HC Deb 21 November 1985 vol 87 cc260-1W,"England,Wales",,,,,,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1985/nov/21/water-authorities,,Report on water authorities’ financial situation 
296,2,12,1985,Winter,2,12,1985,Winter,Water authorities’ credit [Mr. O'Brien asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy that water authorities should be able to raise capital to finance their capital programmes on the open market; and if he will make a statement. Mr. John Patten It is Government policy at present that water authorities and other nationalised industries should normally take their loan finance from the national loans fund. This has the benefit of lower costs for the public sector and the industry itself.],HC Deb 02 December 1985 vol 88 cc58-9W,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1985/dec/02/water-authorities,,
297,17,5,1995,Spring,17,5,1995,Spring,"A discussion about installing water meters. [Mr. Patrick Thompson : My right hon. Friend will be aware that many of my constituents and other people throughout the country are worried about the cost of installing a water meter. However, those who have installed meters usually find that there are considerable reductions in their bills. Can my right hon. Friend make those facts more widely known and do more to encourage water metering, which must be right in terms of conservation, especially in times of drought and difficulty?]",HC Deb 17 May 1995 vol 260 cc328-30,England,,,,,D,"Regulation, Policy [Water company]","Water Supply, Water Conservation",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1995/may/17/water-bills,,
298,11,7,1995,Summer,11,7,1995,Summer,"In the context of the 1995 Environment Act, drought permits are established. [Earl Ferrers : (Amendment adopted in order) to enable the agency to issue drought permits under certain circumstances on application by water undertakers, which we agreed to consider. Amendment No. 280 allows the agency to issue drought permits which would have the same effect as drought orders. The new power is to be parallel to the existing drought order powers. The power of the agency to issue such permits is to be exercisable in the same circumstances as the present power to make drought orders.]",HL Deb 11 July 1995 vol 565 cc1646-55,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation [1995 Environment Act],"Environment, Water Conservation, Water Industry",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1995/jul/11/part-iiia-promotion-of-the-efficient-use,,
299,11,7,1995,Summer,11,7,1995,Summer,"The 1995 Environment Act, water agencies were put under a duty to promote efficient water use by customers. [It shall be the duty of every water undertaker to promote the efficient use of water by its customers. (…) The first part of Amendment No. 276 places a duty on water undertakers to promote the efficient use of water by their customers. Some water undertakers already consider this part of their customer care service; others could do more. The duty is backed up by a discretionary power for the Director General of Water Services to set standards of performance, where necessary, after taking account of the water resource situation in the undertaker's area and after consultation with the undertaker. The standards that the director general sets, and the undertaker's performance in meeting them will be made available to customers. ",HL Deb 11 July 1995 vol 565 cc1646-55,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation [1995 Environment Act],"Environment, Water Conservation, Water Industry",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1995/jul/11/part-iiia-promotion-of-the-efficient-use,,
300,11,7,1995,Summer,11,7,1995,Summer,"The 1995 Environment Act, water agencies were put under a duty to promote efficient water use by customers. [We expect those standards to include the offering to customers of facilities, such as a low-cost voluntary metering scheme, and information on water use, which will enable them to make informed choices about how to use water efficiently. But there will be no compulsion on customers. The tone is one of encouragement. There is a dearth of information about the efficient use of water available to customers. Inefficient use of water will lead to requirements for new resources to be developed, the construction of new or expanded water treatment and waste water treatment plant and a consequent increase in customers' bills to pay for all that capital expenditure. I believe that the proposals here will help to inform customers and lead to a reduction in water use.]",HL Deb 11 July 1995 vol 565 cc1646-55,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation [1995 Environment Act],"Environment, Water Conservation, Water Industry",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1995/jul/11/part-iiia-promotion-of-the-efficient-use,,
301,19,7,1995,Summer,19,7,1995,Summer,"In the context of the 1995 Environment Act, Ofwat is given new powers. [Mr. Clappison: The Government have tabled an amendment to the Environment Bill that would give the Director General of Water Services powers to determine the actions that water companies should take to promote the efficient use of water by their customers, and to publish standards of performance in this respect. My right hon. Friend has no plans, at present, further to review the statutory responsibilities of Ofwat.]",HC Deb 19 July 1995 vol 263 c1408W,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation [1995 Environment Act],"Environment, Water Conservation, Water Industry",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1995/jul/19/office-of-water-services,,
302,28,7,1995,Summer,28,7,1995,Summer,"In the context of the 1995 Environment Act, new powers are granted to environment regulators with respect to issuing drought permits. 
[Deputy Speaker: No. 246, in schedule 22, page 309, line 18, at the end insert— '(6A) A drought permit which— (a) authorises the taking of water from a source from which water is supplied to a site of special scientific interest; or (b) suspends or modifies— (i) a restriction as respects the taking of water from a source from which water is supplied to a site of special scientific interest; or (ii) an obligation to discharge compensation water into a site of special scientific interest or into any river or stream which forms part of, or from which water is supplied to, a site of special scientific interest - shall not be issued without the consent of the Nature Conservancy Council for England (English Nature) with respect to SSSIs in England or the Countryside Council for Wales with respect to SSSIs in Wales.'.]
",HC Deb 28 June 1995 vol 262 cc918-23,"England,Wales",,,,,I,"Legislation [1995 Environment Act], Regulation [Drought permits]","Environment, Water Supply",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1995/jun/28/water-abstraction-licences#S6CV0262P0_19950628_HOC_343,,New regulator whose powers are relevant to the water sector [Nature Conservancy Council (English Nature)]
303,28,7,1995,Summer,28,7,1995,Summer,"In the context of the 1995 Environment Act, new powers are granted to environment regulators with regard to water extraction licences. [Mr. Taylor: The new clause would require the Environment Agency to carry out a systematic review of all water extraction licences, to give it an opportunity to remedy those that are damaging the environment. As a result of licences granted by way of right under the Water Resources Act 1963, there are many cases of over-extraction. Those licences were not granted with any consideration for the environmental impact. As a result, the licence system has caused great environmental damage.]",HC Deb 28 June 1995 vol 262 cc918-23,"England,Wales",,,,,I,"Legislation [1995 Environment Act], Regulation [Water abstraction licences]","Environment, Water Supply",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1995/jun/28/water-abstraction-licences#S6CV0262P0_19950628_HOC_343,,New regulator whose powers are relevant to the water sector [Environment Agency]
304,28,7,1995,Summer,28,7,1995,Summer,"In the context of the 1995 Environment Act, new powers are granted to environment regulators regarding water extraction licences. [Mr. Matthew Taylor: The Government may argue that such an approach would cut across the system set up by the National Rivers Authority which requires the authority to inspect 2,000 highly critical licences and about 13,000 critical licences every year. But the system set up by the NRA is for abstraction enforcement, or to ensure that licence holders are not operating outside the conditions of the licence that has been granted. The amendment seeks to review the conditions and the form that the abstraction licence takes. That is a different matter, and relates to the environmental problems that I have described.]",HC Deb 28 June 1995 vol 262 cc918-23,"England,Wales",,,,,I,"Legislation [1995 Environment Act], Regulation [Water abstraction licences]","Environment, Water Supply",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1995/jun/28/water-abstraction-licences#S6CV0262P0_19950628_HOC_343,,Regulator [National Rivers Authority]
305,28,7,1995,Summer,28,7,1995,Summer,"In the context of the 1995 Environment Act, new powers are granted to environment regulators regarding water extraction licences. [Mr. Matthew Taylor: The NRA has reviewed just 207 out of a possible 48,000 licences in the five years of its existence, so it has not even touched on the problem. We need a more systematic approach to reviewing the environmental impact of abstraction licences, and the new clause gives the agency a duty to take such an approach.]",HC Deb 28 June 1995 vol 262 cc918-23,"England,Wales",,,,,I,"Legislation [1995 Environment Act], Regulation [Water abstraction licences]","Environment, Water Supply",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1995/jun/28/water-abstraction-licences#S6CV0262P0_19950628_HOC_343,,Regulator [National Rivers Authority]
306,28,7,1995,Summer,28,7,1995,Summer,"In the context of the 1995 Environment Act, new powers are granted to environment regulators regarding water extraction licences and drought permits. [Mr. Matthew Taylor: Amendment No. 247 simply aims to ensure that statutory conservation agencies are consulted on drought orders. Drought permits allow water to be taken from water bodies that may supply sites of special scientific interest. That can be damaging, and the amendment seeks to ensure that English Nature and the Countryside Council for Wales are consulted, and consent to, the granting of drought permits which may cause damage to SSSIs (…). That knowledge [about the SSSIs] is vital in ensuring that drought permits do not cause serious and permanent damage to such sites.]",HC Deb 28 June 1995 vol 262 cc918-23,"England,Wales",,,,,I,"Legislation [1995 Environment Act], Regulation [Water abstraction licences, Drought permits]","Environment, Water Supply",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1995/jun/28/water-abstraction-licences#S6CV0262P0_19950628_HOC_343,,New regulator whose powers are relevant to the water sector [Environment Agency]
307,28,7,1995,Summer,28,7,1995,Summer,"In the context of the 1995 Environment Act, the new duties placed on the Environment Agency in terms of the conservation of water. [Mrs. Helen Jackson (Sheffield, Hillsborough) I believe that the new clause is a helpful element of the duties, because the more that is known about the water industry, the more it becomes obvious that conservation must take place at every level in the water cycle. That applies whether we are talking about water from rivers, water leaking from pipes or water used for drinking and for gardens. The new clause is a helpful way of giving the agency a systematic approach to its review of abstraction licences. There were serious problems in the River Darent about which considerable concern was expressed in Parliament, and at least 40 sites were identified by the NRA as having no flows. The new clause goes some way towards emphasising the precautionary principle that we have been stressing during debates on the Bill. It provides a means of checking abstraction licences regularly, and it may well be an operational system that the agency would welcome.]",HC Deb 28 June 1995 vol 262 cc918-23,"England,Wales",,,,,IR,"Legislation [1995 Environment Act], Regulation [Water abstraction licences]","Environment, Water Conservation, Water Supply",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1995/jun/28/water-abstraction-licences#S6CV0262P0_19950628_HOC_343,,New regulator whose powers are relevant to the water sector [Environment Agency]
308,28,7,1995,Summer,28,7,1995,Summer,"In the context of the 1995 Environment Act, the new duties placed on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in terms of the conservation of water. [Mr. Kirkwood:The Minister (The Minister for the Environment and Countryside (Mr. Robert Atkins) will recognise that the problem does not just exist south of the border and that it is also a Scottish problem. I hope that (…) he will address some remarks to the problem that faces Scotland. Clause 33 sets out the general duties of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency with respect to water. Clause 33(1)(b) states that it shall be the duty of SEPA to conserve so far as practicable the water resources of Scotland. The amendment would assure them that the powers available for the SEPA regional boards will flow from the agency, in order to control some of the problems in the future.]",HC Deb 28 June 1995 vol 262 cc918-23,Scotland,,,,,I,"Legislation [1995 Environment Act], Regulation [Water abstraction licences]","Environment, Water Conservation, Water Supply",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1995/jun/28/water-abstraction-licences#S6CV0262P0_19950628_HOC_343,,Regulator [Scottish Environment Protection Agency]
309,28,7,1995,Summer,28,7,1995,Summer,"In the context of the 1995 Environment Act, new powers are granted to environment regulators with respect to water abstraction licences. [Mr. Alex Carlile (Montgomery)  (the new clause…) deals with the conditions applicable to water abstraction licences, and gives us an opportunity to deal with the specific legal anomaly which has caused difficulty to a number of people around the country (…). The current state of the law is thus: if an abstraction licence is applied for as a result of a wholly negligent survey, as long as the abstractor abstracts the water on land that he owns, he is not liable to compensate any neighbour for any damage caused to any land or buildings affected as a result of the abstraction. (…) The new clause provides the potential for imposing on every water abstraction licence the condition that, if damage is caused to land or buildings as a result of negligence, compensation should be payable.]",HC Deb 28 June 1995 vol 262 cc918-23,Wales,,,,,I,"Legislation [1995 Environment Act], Regulation [Water abstraction licences]","Environment, Water Supply",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1995/jun/28/water-abstraction-licences#S6CV0262P0_19950628_HOC_343,,
310,22,11,1995,Autumn,22,11,1995,Autumn,"Yorkshire to cut water supplies by rota [Mrs. Mahon: Mid Yorkshire chamber of commerce said last week in its objection to the tribunal considering the application for the emergency drought order: ""The major effect that rota cuts will have is the considerable disruption to production flow. All firms have contracts which must be met and loss of production for 24 hour periods will severely hinder a firm's ability to meet deadlines.""."" It also wrote to me saying: ""At no time during the development of the drought did Yorkshire Water contact the Chamber. It was the Chamber which contacted Yorkshire Water at the beginning of September to ask for hard information and offered to assist in bringing about awareness through its membership of around 2,500 firms from industry and business.""]",HC Deb 22 November 1995 vol 267 cc593-616,England,UKE,UKE4,,,SR,Regulation [Emergency drought order],Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1995/nov/22/water-supply-west-yorkshire,,
311,22,11,1995,Autumn,22,11,1995,Autumn,"Yorkshire to cut water supplies by rota [Mrs Mahon: The West Yorkshire fire service objected to the drought order through the local evening paper, the Halifax Evening Courier, which, along with other media, including the Yorkshire Post and Radio Leeds, has sustained an excellent campaign throughout the crisis and kept the public informed. The local authority's chief fire officer said: Firefighting in Calderdale would be seriously compromised if rota cuts go ahead. Mr. Jim Manuel, West Yorkshire's most senior fire officer, told the drought hearing: 'A fire in a large multi-storey building, we would be incapable of controlling under those circumstances.'  Yorkshire Water had said they could turn the mains back on within one or two hours, said Mr. Manuel. 'I think that would be largely academic'. That is an example of Yorkshire Water's response. Old mill buildings, which are common in West Yorkshire, could present a serious hazard.]",HC Deb 22 November 1995 vol 267 cc593-616,England,UKE,UKE4,,,SR,Regulation [Drought order],Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1995/nov/22/water-supply-west-yorkshire,,Impact on public services such as firefighting 
312,16,10,1995,Autumn,16,10,1995,Autumn,"The Secretary of State for the Environment commissions a review of all aspects of legislation, planning, organisation and preparation for droughts. [Mr. Spearing: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will request the relevant bodies, agencies or organisations concerned with the conservation, purification and distribution of potable water supplies in England and Wales to prepare a report on national water resources, taking into account circumstances of the winter of 1976 and those of the summer of 1995; (2) what is the general increase in demand for potable water supplies in periods of summer drought over average summer consumption (a) for each of the principal water regions and (b) nationally; and what assessment he has made of the purposes to which that extra demand is put.  Mr. Clappison: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment announced on 1 September that the Department will be conducting a review of all aspects of legislation, planning, organisation and preparation for droughts. This will include consideration of changes in patterns of demand for water which have happened or which seem likely, and will involve all the interests concerned.]",HC Deb 16 October 1995 vol 264 cc159-61W,"England,Wales",,,,,IR,Regulation [Drought order],"Water Supply, Environment",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1995/oct/16/water,,
313,22,11,1995,Autumn,22,11,1995,Autumn,"Yorkshire to cut water supplies by rota and impose an emergency drought order [Mr. Riddick: The hon. Member for Halifax was not the only person to express her concern early on. In August, before the problem became really serious and only four months into the drought, I said that this year's problem showed a lack of sufficient storage capacity. In his chairman's statement of 1990, the chairman of Yorkshire Water plc said: During the year we faced another challenge as Yorkshire experienced one of its worst droughts this century. In the Huddersfield Daily Examiner of September 1994, Yorkshire Water's general manager in charge of water supply was quoted as saying: In the exceptional circumstances of a very dry summer and an unprecedented high demand we had no option except to take the steps we did"", which were applying for drought orders. (…) I would urge the Minister not to grant the drought order to Yorkshire Water. If he does not, the company will have to take whatever steps are necessary to maintain the water supply.",HC Deb 22 November 1995 vol 267 cc593-616,England,UKE,UKE4,,,DSIR,Regulation [Drought order],Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1995/nov/22/water-supply-west-yorkshire,,
314,31,10,1995,Autumn,31,10,1995,Autumn,"The National Rivers Authority published a report about the drought of ’95. [Mrs. Helen Jackson (Sheffield, Hillsborough): (…) the National Rivers Authority report, ""The Drought of '95"", published last month, which said: Leakage is an area where in knowledge, the UK is without doubt a world leader, but in practice has some of the highest leakage rates in the world"". My Bill calls for mandatory targets to be set, monitored and enforced by the Government through the Environment Agency, in close consultation with the companies and the water regulator. The power to penalise companies for failure would rest with the new agency rather than with Ofwat, whose approach to leakage has been disappointing, constrained by its limited focus on economic factors rather than the wider conservation picture.]",HC Deb 31 October 1995 vol 265 cc105-7,England,,,,,DI,"Report, Regulation",Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1995/oct/31/water-conservation-and-miscellaneous#S6CV0265P0_19951031_HOC_177,,Anticipated Impact
315,23,1,1996,Winter,23,1,1996,Winter,"Drought order applications [Mrs. Jackson
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 4 December,Official Report, columns 10–11, what is the latest position in respect of drought orders (a) applied for, (b) under consideration, (c) refused, (d) agreed and (e) withdrawn, by region. Mr. Clappison The figures since August 1995 by National Rivers Authority regions are as follows:
    (a) (b) (c) (d) (e)
Northumbria and Yorkshire 30 2 0 24 4
North-west   26 2 0 24 0
South Western   15 5 0 7 3
Southern   4 0 0 4 0
Severn Trent   3 0 0 3 0
Thames   0 0 0 0 0
Anglian   0 0 0 0 0]",HC Deb 23 January 1996 vol 270 c205W,England,,,,,R,Regulation [Drought order],Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1996/jan/23/drought-orders#S6CV0270P0_19960123_CWA_510,,
316,23,1,1996,Winter,23,1,1996,Winter,"Proceedings on applications for drought orders. [Mrs. Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultation with other statutory or voluntary agencies is required before a water company makes applications for a drought order. Mr. Clappison: The proceedings on applications for drought orders, as set out in schedule 8 to the Water Resources Act 1991, require the applicant to cause notice to be served on the National Rivers Authority and every local authority, other than county councils, and water undertaker whose area would be affected by the order. It is the Department's practice to consult both the NRA and English Nature on each application.]",HC Deb 23 January 1996 vol 270 c205W,England,,,,,R,Regulation [Drought order],Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1996/jan/23/drought-orders#S6CV0270P0_19960123_CWA_510,,
317,1,4,1996,Spring,1,4,1996,Spring,"Poor management on the part of Yorkshire Water [Mrs. Elizabeth Peacock (Batley and Spen):  Does the hon. Lady agree that if Yorkshire Water had had first-class management last year, we would not have had a crisis because there was not a drought? There was water in many areas in Yorkshire, which Yorkshire Water said it would take five years to put pipelines in to transport. If we had had a first-class regulator who was doing his job properly, he would have urged them on to manage the company better, to ensure that leakages were reduced and that people in Yorkshire received the service for which they pay.]",HC Deb 01 April 1996 vol 275 cc126-34,England,UKE,UKE4,,,D,Regulation [Drought order],Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1996/apr/01/drought-yorkshire#S6CV0275P0_19960401_HOC_474,,
318,1,4,1996,Spring,1,4,1996,Spring,"Poor management on the part Yorkshire Water and the regulator [Mrs. Jackson: What the hon. Lady says endorses the concern and anger that has been felt by public representatives of all political views in Yorkshire about the poor management last year. I would make two points in response. First, there were some extraordinary management decisions. In the middle of the crisis, when morale was at rock bottom, Yorkshire Water management continued the process of contracting out—outsourcing. On 4 August, in the middle of the crisis, it held a meeting with workers to say that the jobs of workers in leakage control teams in South Yorkshire were on the line. Is that not an extraordinary management decision, when everyone needs to join in and do what they can to tackle leakage? Yes, there were some extraordinary management decisions, but I am sure that the hon. Lady will acknowledge that the actions could have been taken before last year and then we should not have had the problem that we had last year. Secondly, what is the point of the regulator having powers to monitor the service and financial indicators if he is either unwilling or unable to take action to ensure that companies keep to their plans? He would say that in mid-November, which was right at the end of the crisis—it had even started to rain—he did decide to act. He was spurred on by the imminent public inquiry into the emergency drought order seeking permission to impose rota cuts]",HC Deb 01 April 1996 vol 275 cc126-34,England,UKE,UKE4,,,D,Regulation [Drought order],Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1996/apr/01/drought-yorkshire#S6CV0275P0_19960401_HOC_474,,
319,1,4,1996,Spring,1,4,1996,Spring,"Poor management on the part of Yorkshire Water and the regulator, the need to establish a better water grid. [The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. James Clappison):
In the autumn of 1995, Yorkshire Water drew up plans to secure water supplies through the winter of 1995 and the summer of 1996. These plans were set against the possibility of the winter being as dry as ever recorded and a repeat of the exceptional conditions last summer. The company has identified a possible daily shortfall of some 132 million litres. Mrs. Helen Jackson: I am sure that the Minister recognises that the proposals to establish a better grid to move water around the county was in existence two years before the summer of last year.]

",HC Deb 01 April 1996 vol 275 cc126-34,England,UKE,UKE4,,,D,Regulation [Drought order],Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1996/apr/01/drought-yorkshire#S6CV0275P0_19960401_HOC_474,,
320,1,4,1996,Spring,1,4,1996,Spring,"Poor management on the part of Yorkshire Water and the regulator, the need to establish a better water grid; application for drought orders
[I am setting out the company's plans in response to those conditions that I have described. It has devised 18 schemes capable of delivering in total an extra 137 million litres per day. These schemes involve the construction of over 100 km of large diameter pipework and seven associated pumping stations in two main phases. One phase is due for completion about now and the other by May. One of these pipelines will connect Eccup reservoir, north of Leeds, with Bradford, Calderdale, Wakefield and Kirklees. The other will run from Selby to Leeds, Wakefield, Huddersfield and Calderdale. The cost is some £100 million. These schemes are also based on further drought orders and time-limited variations to existing abstraction licences on the rivers Derwent, Ure, Wharfe and Ouse. The Environment Agency is considering the licence variations. Drought order applications have been handled expeditiously by my Department. There are currently 11 drought orders extant in the Yorkshire Water area and one application is under consideration. Another drought order application, concerning the River Derwent, is still the subject of discussion between the company, the Environment Agency and English Nature in view of the particular environmental issues involved. My Department will proceed with its consideration when the company indicates that it is ready to proceed.]
",HC Deb 01 April 1996 vol 275 cc126-34,England,UKE,UKE4,,,DIR,Regulation [Drought order],Water Supply,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1996/apr/01/drought-yorkshire#S6CV0275P0_19960401_HOC_474,,
321,1,4,1996,Spring,1,4,1996,Spring,"A medium to long-term water resource planning for leakage reduction [The company is presently engaged in a £12 million pilot leakage reduction programme in west Yorkshire to find the most cost-effective long-term solution. This is in addition to the enhanced leakage control programme that the company ran throughout 1995. We note that the Environment Agency intends to agree economic targets for leakage reduction with Yorkshire Water within the next few months for Leeds, Bradford, Calderdale and Wakefield. The company has also recently announced environmental and engineering studies of the option of transferring water from the River Tees, which is supported in part by the Kielder reservoir, into Yorkshire. That is part of its medium to long-term water resource planning.]",HC Deb 01 April 1996 vol 275 cc126-34,England,UKE,UKE4,,,DPSI,Regulation,,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1996/apr/01/drought-yorkshire#S6CV0275P0_19960401_HOC_474,,Anticipated Impact
322,1,4,1996,Spring,1,4,1996,Spring,"Plans to make an agreement concerning Yorkshire Water’s management of the Yorkshire grid. [Mr. Clappison: Ministers and senior officials have kept in close contact with the management of Yorkshire Water throughout the drought, from the early part of July 1995, when it became clear that there might be a problem. Indeed, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is meeting the chairman of Yorkshire Water tomorrow to hear from him the very latest position. We note that the Environment Agency may seek to enter into a formal agreement with Yorkshire Water under section 20 of the Water Resources Act 1991 concerning the company's management of the Yorkshire grid. Such an arrangement would have to be lodged with the Secretary of State and would be enforceable by him. We shall await receipt of such agreements as and when they are developed.]",HC Deb 01 April 1996 vol 275 cc126-34,England,UKE,UKE4,,,D,Regulation,,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1996/apr/01/drought-yorkshire#S6CV0275P0_19960401_HOC_474,,
323,1,5,1996,Spring,1,5,1996,Spring,"Measures taken in the context of 12 months of exceptional lack of rainfall. [Lord Lucas: The Environment Agency's report, Review of Water Company Plans to Safeguard Summer Water Supplies, underlines the exceptional lack of rainfall and consequent impact on water resources in many parts of the country during the past 12 months. It confirms the extent of the measures which the water companies are taking to maintain supplies even if this summer is as dry as last. Over £400 million of capital expenditure has been announced in England and 148WA Wales—investment which will be financed without increasing prices to consumers.]",HL Deb 01 May 1996 vol 571 cc147-9WA,England,,,,,I,Regulation,,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1996/may/01/water-supplies#S5LV0571P0_19960501_LWA_14,,
324,17,8,1996,Summer,17,8,1996,Summer,"In the aftermath of the 1995 Environment Act’s adoption, the House of Lords discusses about the impact of drought orders on the environment. [Earl Peel: asked Her Majesty's Government: What role they consider that the precautionary principle should play in determining drought order or drought permit applications in the event that consequences on fauna and flora are not quantifiable. Earl Ferrers: Each application is judged on the particular circumstances of the case and the evidence as presented, weighing any adverse impact which the proposal may have against the needs of the users.]",HL Deb 17 June 1996 vol 573 cc10-2WA,England,,,,,R,"Legislation [1995 Environment Act], Regulation [Drought orders]","Environment,  Water Supply",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1996/jun/17/water-supplies#S5LV0573P0_19960617_LWA_47,,
325,18,8,1996,Summer,18,8,1996,Summer,"A discussion about what the policy of the newly-established Environment Agency would be with regard to protecting river flow in drought conditions. [Earl Peel asked Her Majesty's Government: In view of the Minister's reply to the noble Earl's previous question, why is it, given the drought conditions that have prevailed in certain regions, that the Environment Agency (or its predecessor, the National Rivers Authority) has not thought it appropriate to submit any draft statement containing provisions for determining minimum acceptable flows in any inland waters as set out at s.21(1) of the 1991 Water Resources Act. The Minister of State Department of the Environment (Earl Ferrers): The Environment Agency is of the view that the appropriate legislation for drought management is that which is contained in Sections 73 to 81 of the Water Resources Act 1991. However, the agency will be considering its position in relation to the provisions for determining minimum acceptable flows which are set out in Section 21 of that Act and may make such proposals as may be appropriate in due course. At the present time, the agency's policy is to protect river flow through the use of conditions which are specified in water abstraction licences. These conditions are widely applied and have an effect similar to that which might be obtained from setting minimum acceptable flows.]",HL Deb 18 July 1996 vol 574 c74WA,England,,,,,R,Legislation [Water Resources Act]; Policy [Environment Agency ],"Water Conservation, Water Supply",http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1996/jul/18/drought-management-environment-agency#S5LV0574P0_19960718_LWA_18,,
326,19,2,2003,Winter,19,2,2003,Winter,"Impact [Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton: (…) I beg to introduce a Bill to amend the Water Resources Act 1991 and the Water Industry Act 1991; to make provision with respect to compensation under Section 61 of the Water Resources Act 1991; to provide for the establishment and functions of the Water Services Regulation Authority and the Consumer Council for Water, and for the abolition of the office of Director-General of Water Services; to make provision in connection with land drainage and flood defence; to amend the Reservoirs Act 1975; to make provision about contaminated land so far as it relates to the pollution of controlled waters; to confer on the Coal Authority functions in relation to the discharge of water from coal mines; to extend the functions of the Environment Agency in relation to the Rivers Esk, Sark and Tweed and their tributaries so far as they are in England; and for connected purposes.]",HL Deb 19 February 2003 vol 644 c1140,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/2003/feb/19/water-bill-hl,,
327,6,3,2003,Spring,6,3,2003,Spring,"Impact [Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton: The Government's approach to the water environment and water industry is firmly grounded in sustainable development. (…) Along with the provisions in Part 3 about water resource management and drought plans, this part is about long-term sustainable use of water resources, very much against the background of climate change. That is also a major aim of the EU Water Framework Directive. The Bill and the directive are moving forward together.]",HL Deb 06 March 2003 vol 645 cc968-1007,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/2003/mar/06/water-bill-hl,,
328,6,3,2003,Spring,6,3,2003,Spring,"[Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton: The Bill makes the licensing system more effective, but also reduces the regulatory burden. Most importantly, the new abstraction licence threshold of 20 cubic metres per day means that an estimated 20,000 small-scale abstractors will be exempt from licensing. That is a big deregulatory measure. Farmers, in particular, will benefit from that change as many of these small abstractions are made by them.]",HL Deb 06 March 2003 vol 645 cc968-1007,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Agriculture,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/2003/mar/06/water-bill-hl,,"Impact on the economy, farming."
329,6,3,2003,Spring,6,3,2003,Spring,"Impact [Baroness Byford : Over the years we have been faced with drought conditions, although in the past three years floods have caused havoc. Indeed, it was because of the years of drought back in 1997 that the Government held a water summit which produced a 10-point plan for improved water management. Since then, and in particular in the past three years, we have experienced swings between drier weather and deluge. The Water Bill addresses the impact of drought conditions and plans accordingly, though I was disappointed that the issue of water conservation and efficiency is not fully taken on board.]",HL Deb 06 March 2003 vol 645 cc968-1007,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/2003/mar/06/water-bill-hl,,
330,6,3,2003,Spring,6,3,2003,Spring,"Impact (it is suggested that before privatisation, the conditions of wetlands, infrastructure, the quality of drinking water, and the clean-up of waste water was in a poorer condition) [Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer: It is a regulatory Bill, necessary because water, a national resource, has been privatised. It is argued that privatisation has enabled investment to take place in the infrastructure that guarantees a regular supply, high-quality drinking water and the clean-up of waste water. It has also produced returns for shareholders. And there is less degradation of wetlands and pollution of rivers. So the picture has not been entirely grim since privatisation—that is far from the case.]",HL Deb 06 March 2003 vol 645 cc968-1007,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/2003/mar/06/water-bill-hl,,
331,6,3,2003,Spring,6,3,2003,Spring,"Impact: (no existing provisions regarding the storage of surplus winter water for the benefit of the farmers, upstream communities, and habitats) [Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer: We will also table amendments to encourage the storage of surplus winter water for the benefit of farmers, upstream communities and habitats. That would enable downstream towns and cities regularly flooded under our present system to look to new land management practices to alleviate an ever-increasing threat. Such practical approaches are missing from the Bill.]",HL Deb 06 March 2003 vol 645 cc968-1007,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/2003/mar/06/water-bill-hl,,Impact of the legislation on farming & agriculture.
332,6,3,2003,Spring,6,3,2003,Spring,"Driver (the threat of abstraction on 400 river or wetland wildlife sites) [Baroness Young of Old Scone: First, nearly 400 of our river or wetland wildlife sites designated by law as nationally or internationally important are currently threatened by abstraction, so there is a real need to bring abstractions into a logical framework. Secondly, we do not want to return to the droughts of 1989 and 1995. I think we are probably due one quite soon, if the point needs to be underlined.]",HL Deb 06 March 2003 vol 645 cc968-1007,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/2003/mar/06/water-bill-hl,,
333,6,3,2003,Spring,6,3,2003,Spring,"Driver (lack of better water resource planning arrangements); Impact (drought plans) [Baroness Young of Old Scone: The Bill introduces improved water resource planning arrangements. It finally brings into statute the requirement for water companies to have resources and drought plans. (…).I found it slightly bizarre, when standing up to the waist in ice cold water during the New Year floods, to be contemplating a Bill on scarce water resources and drought plans! But the Bill rightly contains provisions for improving flood defence arrangements. The increase in extreme weather events and rising sea levels mean an increase in flood risk. The damage and distress that we saw in 1998, during the severe floods of 2000 and in the floods at the start of this year are all too real.]",HL Deb 06 March 2003 vol 645 cc968-1007,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/2003/mar/06/water-bill-hl,,
334,6,3,2003,Spring,6,3,2003,Spring,Impact (‘the attitude adopted in the Bill is influenced by drought’) [Lord Dixon-Smith : In an ordinary winter we probably have enough water running off the farm to fill two more such reservoirs. In the past three years I believe that I could have flooded the farm completely to a depth of some 1000 feet. The Bill was prepared at the end of a dry period and the attitude adopted within it is influenced by drought. Also at the present time people are concerned about another matter.],HL Deb 06 March 2003 vol 645 cc968-1007,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/2003/mar/06/water-bill-hl,,
335,6,3,2003,Spring,6,3,2003,Spring,"Driver (poor water management) [Lord Dixon-Smith : We are not particularly short of water in this country but we are particularly short of management of our water. As regards the management of our water, I found it difficult to divine the thinking behind the Bill and how it will work. That is a real problem. I refer to the timing of the Bill and the difference between a drought approach and a flood approach.]",HL Deb 06 March 2003 vol 645 cc968-1007,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/2003/mar/06/water-bill-hl,,
336,27,3,2003,Spring,27,3,2003,Spring,"Impact (Talk about the proposed Water Bill on the issue of droughts) Baroness Byford: There is also a need to inform the public—we touched on that in great detail on the previous amendment—about water usage. We must encourage them to use water sensibly and to conserve it. There was much information during the drought years, but since then our minds might have slipped away from the need to conserve water. As Members of the Committee will know, the Bill has taken three years to come before us. In fact, it was originally a reaction to a drought. Since then we have had extensive flooding, often unfortunately at the wrong time of year. There has been a lot of water. However, that should not take our eye off the ball. There is a need to require people to conserve water, even when it is in abundance. The Select Committee report states on page 35 that, the first—and perhaps over-riding—conclusion of our inquiry is that the Directive needs much greater public promotion"".]",HL Deb 27 March 2003 vol 646 cc37-92GC,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/grand_committee_report/2003/mar/27/part-a1-water-framework-directive,,
337,27,3,2003,Spring,27,3,2003,Spring,"Impact (regarding the proposed Water Bill) Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer: The Bill includes sufficient safeguards for eventualities that we may not predict, such as periods of drought.",HL Deb 27 March 2003 vol 646 cc37-92GC,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/grand_committee_report/2003/mar/27/part-a1-water-framework-directive,,
338,27,3,2003,Spring,27,3,2003,Spring,"Impact (provisions regarding compensatory flow reservoirs to be included in the Water Bill) [Amendment No. 8 is all about compensatory flow from reservoirs into river systems. It states:  ""The Agency shall set volumes of compensatory water flows to be released from reservoirs and  impoundments into rivers in sufficient quantity to sustain the water quality and ecology of river systems"".]",HL Deb 27 March 2003 vol 646 cc37-92GC,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/grand_committee_report/2003/mar/27/part-a1-water-framework-directive,,
339,27,3,2003,Spring,27,3,2003,Spring,"Impact (provisions regarding compensatory flow reservoirs to be included in the Water Bill) [Lord Livsey of Talgarth: After Clause 1, insert the following new clause— ""IMPOUNDING TO CREATE LARGE RESERVOIRS (1) The Agency, prior to granting a licence to a water company to impound water in a large reservoir, shall conduct—1.(a) an environmental impact assessment; 2.(b) a social impact assessment; and 3.(c) the subjection of plans to the local planning authority to obtain planning permission.]",HL Deb 27 March 2003 vol 646 cc37-92GC,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/grand_committee_report/2003/mar/27/part-a1-water-framework-directive,,
340,27,3,2003,Spring,27,3,2003,Spring,"Impact (proposed Water Bill’s provisions with regard to water shortages) [Lord Livsey of Talgarth: This Bill is all about sustainability. I assure the noble Lords that there are many instances, particularly during long summers, when acute observation shows rivers becoming ecologically unviable. One can see what happens to oxygen levels; there are dead fish in the river, and insect life is reduced. During the summer there is very often a conflict of priorities. The great demand for water conflicts with the need for sustainability. Decisions are taken, orders are made and often, because consumers or industries are running seriously short of water, the poor old river's compensatory flow becomes reduced. This can be very damaging; in bad drought years, the impact on the ecology of river systems can last for at least the next five years.]",HL Deb 27 March 2003 vol 646 cc37-92GC,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/grand_committee_report/2003/mar/27/part-a1-water-framework-directive,,
341,27,3,2003,Spring,27,3,2003,Spring,"Impact (proposed Water Bill’s provisions with regard to droughts and water reservoirs) [Lord Whitty Further, if that water were needed in a drought, the water from those reservoirs or the canals which they serve could be requisitioned by a drought order. It is not as if the water that we are discussing is totally exempt. However, the same considerations do not apply to a closed system as apply to systems which are not closed; it is not a question of a lack of equity. We are talking here about reservoirs in the context of closed systems. However, as I say, if the water from such reservoirs—irrespective of whether they belong to British Waterways or to other navigation authorities—were to be sold, it would become subject to abstraction licensing and it could be requisitioned under the terms of a drought order.]",HL Deb 27 March 2003 vol 646 cc37-92GC,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/grand_committee_report/2003/mar/27/part-a1-water-framework-directive,,
342,3,4,2003,Spring,3,4,2003,Spring,"Impact (a duty to use water efficiently is introduced for every water licence granted) [Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer moved Amendment No. 56: Page 22, line 21, at end insert— ( ) Every licence under this Chapter shall be subject to a duty to use the water abstracted in an efficient manner, so as to further water conservation.]",HL Deb 03 April 2003 vol 646 cc149-202GC,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/grand_committee_report/2003/apr/03/water-bill-hl,,
343,3,4,2003,Spring,3,4,2003,Spring,(Anticipated) Impact (discussion about whether the Environment Agency should be given powers to check whether those granted a water licence use water efficiently) [Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer: We believe that the Environment Agency should have the powers to make sure that water that is abstracted is used efficiently. That would enable water conservation to be furthered.],HL Deb 03 April 2003 vol 646 cc149-202GC,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/grand_committee_report/2003/apr/03/water-bill-hl,,Anticipated Impact
344,3,4,2003,Spring,3,4,2003,Spring,"Impact (discussion regarding whether to introduce/ extend an amendment regarding the power of the Environment Agency to check whether those granted water licences are using water efficiently); Driver (discussion regarding whether the powers of the Environment Agency to check whether water is being used efficiently may be insufficient ) [The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty) : We have had a pretty wide-ranging discussion in the earlier days of Committee about the whole issue of efficiency. In this particular context, the Environment Agency has existing powers. It has the power to impose on any abstraction licence conditions relating to the efficient use of water. The Environment Agency also assesses water efficiency in the grant of every new licence as part of the test of ""reasonable requirement"". It can also take action to prevent profligate use of water if it should occur. However, all those requirements are clearly tailored to the specific case and give the Environment Agency a right to specific intervention, whereas the general reference to efficiency in the amendment may not be tailored to the individual case. Whatever the general arguments, this is not an appropriate or necessary amendment.]",HL Deb 03 April 2003 vol 646 cc149-202GC,"England,Wales",,,,,DI,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/grand_committee_report/2003/apr/03/water-bill-hl,,
345,3,4,2003,Spring,3,4,2003,Spring,"Impact (discussion about granting the Environment Agency powers to refuse renewal of water licences if water is not used efficiently) [Lord Whitty: The Environment Agency needs to be able to refuse renewal under a wider range of circumstances. But there is not, as the noble Baroness, Lady O'Cathain, suggested in her first intervention, a presumption of non-renewal. That is not the case. The policy and the framework of the operation provide us with a clear presumption of renewal provided that the three main tests are met.]",HL Deb 03 April 2003 vol 646 cc149-202GC,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/grand_committee_report/2003/apr/03/water-bill-hl,,
346,3,4,2003,Spring,3,4,2003,Spring,"Impact (discussion about granting the Environment Agency powers to refuse renewal of water licences if water is not used efficiently) [Lord Whitty: Therefore, a water abstractor must face the possibility that, in certain circumstances, if there is a detrimental environmental effect, the licence might not be renewed or might be withdrawn. That requires a renewal situation in which the Environment Agency has wider and greater flexibility and a greater range of grounds on which to refuse a renewal than would be provided by Amendment No. 60. Therefore, I hope that noble Lords will not pursue the amendment in its present form.]",HL Deb 03 April 2003 vol 646 cc149-202GC,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/grand_committee_report/2003/apr/03/water-bill-hl,,
347,3,4,2003,Spring,3,4,2003,Spring,"Impact (discussion regarding whether or not to reduce the time period in which so-called ‘sleeping water licences’ can be renewed) [Baroness Byford: The clause would amend Section 61 of the Water Resources Act 1991, reducing from seven years to four years the period of the non-use of a licence after which revocation or variation did not entitle the licence holder to compensation. Furthermore, Clause 17 removes the protected right under the licence, if unused for four years. If the Bill implemented that reduction in period, it would no longer be commercially viable for many businesses to continue to produce irrigated crops. It would not be possible to reduce a crop rotation to only four years, due to the risk of crop disease such as potato cyst nematode and due to the requirements of contracts made under the Assured Produce programme or with customers such as processors or supermarkets.]",HL Deb 03 April 2003 vol 646 cc149-202GC,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/grand_committee_report/2003/apr/03/water-bill-hl,,Impact on agriculture.
348,3,4,2003,Spring,3,4,2003,Spring,"Impact (discussion regarding whether or not to reduce the time period in which so-called ‘sleeper water licences’ can be renewed) [Lord Livsey of Talgarth : There is no doubt that keeping the period at seven years would allow for effective crop rotation. Four years is too short. Sound rotational practice breaks pest and disease cycles and assists in the maximising of economic yield and the quality of the crop, which is crucial, particularly for supermarket contracts and suchlike. It also reduces the need to use pesticides, fungicides and herbicides and, therefore, reduces pollution. A seven-year licence assists the sustainability of the farming system within a rotation. That is an important point. Increasingly, we want sound crop practice that will result in a quality product. I, too, see no reason why the period is being reduced to four years.]",HL Deb 03 April 2003 vol 646 cc149-202GC,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/grand_committee_report/2003/apr/03/water-bill-hl,,Impact on agriculture.
349,3,4,2003,Spring,3,4,2003,Spring,"Impact (discussion regarding so-called sleeper licences in connection to long-term drought planning) [Baroness Byford: The noble Baroness said: I rise to speak to Amendment No. 67, which again is about abstraction licences, particularly sleeper licences, but from a different angle. This is on the management of water supplies for water companies. The point is that, at the moment, water companies are required to produce plans for long-term planning. In a sense, and to take water resources into account. Sleeper licences are part of the overall plan, the reason being that in this country we can go from periods of deluge to periods of drought, but periods of drought do not necessarily occur every four years. In order to safeguard water resources and their supply for the consumer we need the back-up of provisional sleeper licences.]",HL Deb 03 April 2003 vol 646 cc149-202GC,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/grand_committee_report/2003/apr/03/water-bill-hl,,
350,10,4,2003,Spring,10,4,2003,Spring,Driver (insufficient number of conservation reservoirs): [Baroness Byford: We have talked—and will talk later—about the whole question of having more reservoirs so that in times of drought one can draw on water that has been conserved. But at the moment there is nothing in the Bill that we consider adequately covers the matter.],HL Deb 10 April 2003 vol 647 cc67-114GC,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/grand_committee_report/2003/apr/10/official-report-of-the-grand-committee,,
351,10,4,2003,Spring,10,4,2003,Spring,"Driver (building regulations and planning requirements are considered as too weak in relation to requiring water conservation) [Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer: At the moment building regulations and planning requirements are totally feeble in relation to requiring water conservation. We still see industrial buildings constructed with enormous roof spans. For all the play that the Government made of the construction of the Dome being able to recycle water, we simply have not seen that translated into everyday use around Britain, except in a few exciting examples. With regard to domestic house building, there is a vast area of potential for grey water recycling, for capturing water running off roofs, which would also release storm drains. None of that has been addressed. To address the issue in guidance is not sufficient; it needs to be addressed in a statutory way, otherwise the urgency required is lacking.]",HL Deb 10 April 2003 vol 647 cc67-114GC,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/grand_committee_report/2003/apr/10/official-report-of-the-grand-committee,,
352,29,4,2003,Spring,29,4,2003,Spring,"(Anticipated) Impact (discussion regarding an obligation for each person with a licence to abstract water to produce a drought plan) [Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer: The Bill lays a duty on each water undertaker to prepare and maintain a drought plan. Given that the Bill takes small users—with a few exceptions—out of the licensing regime, I wonder why each abstractor is not required to produce a drought plan. In the Bill, we are dealing with a time of climate change and the greater likelihood of drought, so each person with a licence to abstract water should be under a duty to think about times of drought and produce a plan to reduce the panic effect at such times.]",HL Deb 29 April 2003 vol 647 cc115-84GC,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/grand_committee_report/2003/apr/29/water-bill-hl,,Anticipated Impact
353,29,4,2003,Spring,29,4,2003,Spring,"Impact (discussion regarding an obligation for each person with a licence to abstract water to produce a drought plan) [The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty):  It is true that many small abstractors are excluded by the Bill, but there are still 48,000 abstraction licences likely to be issued under the Bill, and, in most cases, there is no need for a drought plan of any dimensions. It is right that there should be scrutiny of the drought plans of water companies, so that, as far as possible, difficult decisions can be discussed on the basis of the information in the plans. (…) Some abstractors would need drought plans for their own purposes, but it would not be sensible to set them down in legislation. It would require quite a bureaucracy to enforce and scrutinise the plans, and it seems to me that the vast majority of cases would not merit such a legislative requirement.]",HL Deb 29 April 2003 vol 647 cc115-84GC,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/grand_committee_report/2003/apr/29/water-bill-hl,,
354,29,4,2003,Spring,29,4,2003,Spring,"Impact (proposal to introduce comprehensive drought plans) [Lord Whitty : I shall start with the first amendment. It must be clear that, in the event of a drought, the undertaker will be responsible for ensuring that the needs of customers are met. It is important that the undertaker has sufficient information on which to plan. The noble Duke's amendment would allow the undertaker to prepare a drought plan that did not necessarily cover the sources of supply that belonged to licensed water suppliers. The ensuing drought plan would not provide sufficient information to demonstrate that all customers had adequate security of supply during a drought. Making the deletion suggested by the noble Duke would mean that we did not have a comprehensive drought plan.]",HL Deb 29 April 2003 vol 647 cc115-84GC,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/grand_committee_report/2003/apr/29/water-bill-hl,,
355,29,4,2003,Spring,29,4,2003,Spring,"Impact (proposal to introduce comprehensive drought plans) [Lord Whitty : As for the drought plan itself, it must be checked by the Environment Agency. If what lay behind the question was who will check on the drought plan, the answer is that it will be the Environment Agency.]",HL Deb 29 April 2003 vol 647 cc115-84GC,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/grand_committee_report/2003/apr/29/water-bill-hl,,
356,29,4,2003,Spring,29,4,2003,Spring,"Impact (proposal to introduce comprehensive drought plans) [Lord Whitty: Hopefully, the combination of the strategic and operational plans will in most circumstances deal with that. The operational plans will need to include some contingency provisions. However, in circumstances outside that, a drought order could in certain circumstances impose restrictions on other abstractions, or other users, and allow the source of water to be used by the undertaker in a different way. In the example given by the noble Duke, the drought order could restrict and redirect the 10,000 gallons, but that would depend very much on the circumstances. As I said in reply to the noble Lord, Lord Dixon-Smith, there may be circumstances in which compensation may then be payable. However, those are abnormal circumstances. We hope that the operational plans and the contingencies built into them will deal with most such situations, and the understanding between the undertaker and the abstractor will be clear.]",HL Deb 29 April 2003 vol 647 cc115-84GC,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/grand_committee_report/2003/apr/29/water-bill-hl,,
357,29,4,2003,Spring,29,4,2003,Spring,"Impact (discussion regarding the impact of the new proposal for drought plans) [Lord Whitty : As we discussed under the previous amendment, drought plans are currently produced and presented by the water companies and include information on their environmental impacts, because of their obligations and duties with respect to water supply in times of drought. So there is already a requirement for water companies' drought plans to cover environmental issues. Plans currently produced under the guidance address possible environmental impacts such as the effect of drought orders on river flows, river quality or aquatic life, and they contain monitoring plans. We expect this to continue when plans are produced on a statutory basis, so we will use direction powers to ensure that that happens. In addition, Section 3 of the Water Industry Act 1991 already ensures that nature conservation obligations are taken into account by the undertakers in the discharge of their functions. There is already substantial coverage of the environmental impact. The Environment Agency monitors the effect of any drought action taken by water companies, which includes the wider environmental impacts. So the amendment would not enhance anything that is not already in the existing system, which we are now placing on the statute book.]",HL Deb 29 April 2003 vol 647 cc115-84GC,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/grand_committee_report/2003/apr/29/water-bill-hl,,
358,12,6,2003,Summer,12,6,2003,Summer,"Impact [Baroness Byford : The regulations under subsection ( 1 ) shall in particular (…) (f) contribute to mitigating the effects of floods and droughts, in particular by measures to be developed as appropriate to each river basin according to policies developed by each river basin management committee.]",HL Deb 12 June 2003 vol 649 cc343-78,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/2003/jun/12/water-bill-hl,,
359,12,6,2003,Summer,12,6,2003,Summer,Impact (water conservation and efficient use measures to be introduced): [Lord Whitty: Clause 76 (of the Water Bill) introduces a new duty on water undertakers to further water conservation which will expand on their existing duties to maintain an efficient water supply system and to promote the efficient use of water by their consumers.],HL Deb 12 June 2003 vol 649 cc343-78,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/2003/jun/12/water-bill-hl,,
360,12,6,2003,Summer,12,6,2003,Summer,"Impact (water conservation and efficient use measures to be introduced): [Baroness Byford: ""DUTY TO CONSERVE WATER RESOURCES: The Secretary of State shall have a duty to devise and implement measures to ensure that all entities and persons who use water do so without wasting it. (…) We believe that it is essential to ensure that people have a duty to conserve water. At various stages of the Bill we have referred to efficiency and conservation. Both are important, but they are separate issues. When the amendment was originally proposed, it was generally welcomed: however, there was a clear inference that it could be improved if we looked at it again—so that is what we have done. In Committee, the Minister indicated concern that a general duty laid on the Secretary of State would confuse the powers and duties already given to the water companies, Ofwat and the Environment Agency. I disagree.]",HL Deb 12 June 2003 vol 649 cc343-78,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/2003/jun/12/water-bill-hl,,
361,12,6,2003,Summer,12,6,2003,Summer,"Anticipated Impact (intervention regarding the importance of sleeper licence to long-term drought planning and an argument for introducing it in the new bill) [Baroness O'Cathain: If my amendment is carried, the reduction of sleeper licences from seven to four years under Clause 25 would not apply where water may be abstracted as part of the, water resource management scheme… or any drought plan"". At the moment, water companies are required to produce water resource management plans. The Bill places these and drought plans on a statutory basis. Sleeper licences give companies the flexibility they need to manage their water resources. If sleeper licences are reduced from seven to four years, companies may need to revise their existing plans, and, indeed, they might not be able to produce the water required in a drought period. The Minister indicated that if the so-called sleeper licence were part of long-term planning and drought planning, clearly the Environment Agency would be acting unreasonably if it tried to revoke it.]",HL Deb 12 June 2003 vol 649 cc399-449,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/2003/jun/12/water-bill-hl-1,,Anticipated Impact
362,12,6,2003,Summer,12,6,2003,Summer,"Impact (intervention regarding the importance of sleeper licence to long-term drought planning and an argument for introducing it in the new bill) [Baroness O'Cathain: The average amount of water per head in the South East is less than that per capita in Sudan or Ethiopia. We have a massive water shortage in the South East. By the very nature of the climatic conditions that prevail in the South and South East, we are more likely to be in drought situations. I am sure that few people living in certain parts of the country—the North East, the Borders or up there in the Lake District—are subjected to hosepipe bans. I remember many such bans, fortunately not in the past few years. With the additional threat—I use the word advisedly—that a lot more housing will be situated in the South East—something like 46,500 new homes—there are bound to be problems with water resource management plans. The sleeper licence is absolutely imperative for drought planning. Although the Bill is environmentally skewed—rightly— we should not forget that one of the big things about water is that we must produce clean, usable water for everybody in the country on a regular basis. If we decide to do away with sleeper licences or reduce them to four years, we could fail in our duty to do that. The Environment Agency would be found to have failed. ]",HL Deb 12 June 2003 vol 649 cc399-449,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/2003/jun/12/water-bill-hl-1,,
363,24,6,2003,Summer,24,6,2003,Summer,"Impact (the new Water Bill will advance the cause of joined-up regulation for addressing the issue of drought, among others) [“It is the duty of— 1.(a) any Minister of the Crown (within the meaning of the Ministers of the Crown Act 1975 (c. 26)); 2. (b) any government department; 3.(c) the National Assembly for Wales; 245 4.d) a person holding office?— 1.(i) under the Crown; 2.(ii) created or continued in existence by a public general Act of Parliament; or 3.(iii) the remuneration in respect of which is paid out of money provided by Parliament; 5.(e) a statutory undertaker (meaning the persons referred to in section 262(1), (3) and (6) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (c. 8)); and 6. (f) any other public body of any description;  in carrying out his or its functions, to have regard, so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions, to the purpose of furthering the conservation of water."" Baroness O'Cathainmoved: (…) the amendment would require the Environment Agency and the water regulator to take into account the requirements of all water resource management plans and all drought plans prepared pursuant to the Bill. That can be seen as advancing the cause of joined-up regulation, particularly in respect of water resources management. The Government see water resource management plans and drought management plans as major elements of their strategy to manage water supplies and therefore ensure, the prudent management of water resources"".]",HL Deb 24 June 2003 vol 650 cc244-63,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/2003/jun/24/water-conservation-duty-for-all-public,,
364,24,6,2003,Summer,24,6,2003,Summer,"Impact (the new Water Bill will change the way drought plans fit into the regulatory regime) [Baroness O'Cathainmoved: I quote from Directing the Flow. The plans fit into the regulatory regime in two important ways. First, water companies will prepare the plans. Ofwat expects them to take into account the long-running marginal costs. That information will be incorporated into the Environment Agency's updated water resource planning guidelines. Secondly, the Secretary of State will approve the plans.]",HL Deb 24 June 2003 vol 650 cc244-63,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/2003/jun/24/water-conservation-duty-for-all-public,,
365,24,6,2003,Summer,24,6,2003,Summer,"Impact (on the Water Bill) [Baroness O'Cathain moved: The amendment ensures that the plans are carried forward into all aspects of the regulator's work. More generally, the Government are already working to achieve a closer integration between economic and environmental regulation; for example, they want the principles of sustainability to inform the work of the economic regulator. The Water Bill includes a specific duty on the regulator to take into account sustainable development. Also, the Government expect the regulators to work together on specific matters; for example, the implementation of the Water Framework Directive and tackling diffuse pollution.]",HL Deb 24 June 2003 vol 650 cc244-63,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/2003/jun/24/water-conservation-duty-for-all-public,,
366,24,6,2003,Summer,24,6,2003,Summer,"anticipated Impact (the provisions in the new Water Bill which refer to a joint-up approach to managing and implementing drought plans)Baroness Byford: If we are to have sustainable development in the future, we need to look at all aspects of water resource and water resource plans, particularly with regard to drought conditions that could occur. In the past, we have been quite lucky and there have been very few years when we have been so troubled. But that does not necessarily mean that in future years we will not be so troubled. I hope that the Minister will look at this amendment sympathetically. My noble friend has brought an important amendment before us today.",HL Deb 24 June 2003 vol 650 cc244-63,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/2003/jun/24/water-conservation-duty-for-all-public,,Anticipated Impact
367,24,6,2003,Summer,24,6,2003,Summer,"Impact (about the provisions in the new Water Bill which refer to a joined-up approach to managing and implementing drought plans) Lord Whitty : My Lords, there are two issues with this amendment. Turning first to the issue of the drought and water resource management plans, it is important that water companies develop such plans but it is also important to recognise that those plans do not themselves have a statutory basis. As circumstances change, companies will undoubtedly adjust and modify their plans. The second effect of the amendment would be to ask Ofwat and the Environment Agency to co-ordinate their functions in respect of drought plans and water resource management plans. While joined-up government is highly desirable, the comments I made earlier on the rather blanket requirement on coordination also apply here. The two regulators have different functions and to co-ordinate every decision, particularly in this area, could lead to confusion as to their respective roles.",HL Deb 24 June 2003 vol 650 cc244-64,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/2003/jun/24/water-conservation-duty-for-all-public,,
368,9,7,2003,Summer,9,7,2003,Summer,"Impact (the new Water Bill is providing for a more flexible legislative regime, where water undertakers have discretion to cope with the drought)[Lord Warner: (…) we accept the need to give water undertakers discretion to cope with unforeseen circumstances such as droughts, floods or plant breakdowns and these have been provided for in Section 87B. (…) The industry's position is that the legislative regime needs improving (…). Again, the Minister made the point that if there was a drought situation or specific local situations, there would be flexibility.]",HL Deb 09 July 2003 vol 651 cc295-362,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/2003/jul/09/water-bill-hl,,
369,8,8,2003,Autumn,8,8,2003,Autumn,Impact (discussion regarding the Water Bill and its impact on water abstraction); Driver (perverse housing policies) [Mr. Lidington: The Environment Agency may now find itself having to use ever tighter restrictions on abstraction—using the powers that the Bill proposes should be given to it—and doing so at a real cost to consumers to mitigate the harm being wrought by the Government's perverse housing policies.],HC Deb 08 September 2003 vol 410 cc56-148,"England,Wales",,,,,DI,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/2003/sep/08/water-bill,,
370,8,8,2003,Autumn,8,8,2003,Autumn,"Impact (discussion regarding the Water Bill and its impact on water resources managenebt and drought plans) Mr. Lidington: We are worried also about the centralising direction of some of the measures in the Bill, which contains a host of additional powers for the Secretary of State and the Environment Agency (…). By contrast, powers are removed from local flood defence committees and from local authorities. For example, we see powers for the Secretary of State to insist on changes to water resources management and drought plans.]",HC Deb 08 September 2003 vol 410 cc56-149,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/2003/sep/08/water-bill,,
371,8,8,2003,Autumn,8,8,2003,Autumn,"State Change, Driver  (the introduction of the Water Bill in order to deal with water shortage and droughts) [Mr. Simon Thomas (Ceredigion) : Surprising as it may seem, my county of Ceredigion has a water shortage. Wet Wales is short of water. Because we store only 2 per cent. of rainfall, we do not have a great ability to deal with periods of drought or climate change. As a result, the south of the county has a severe water shortage of about 1.7 million litres a day, which is equivalent to the usage of 2,800 households. By 2005, with the expected growth in the county which reflects that in south-east England—we have a similarly contentious housing plan, albeit on a smaller scale—we could have a shortage of 3.5 million litres a day. That, as I said, is in what is generally thought of as a wet country and a wet county. I therefore welcome the Bill's underlying principles, which are that the abstraction and use of water need to be reconsidered in light of sustainable development, that we need to reform the licensing system and that we need to try to establish a level playing field for different users, rather than favouring one type of user over another.]",HC Deb 08 September 2003 vol 410 cc56-150,"England,Wales",,,,,D,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/2003/sep/08/water-bill,,
372,8,8,2003,Autumn,8,8,2003,Autumn,"Impact (proposed legislation in order to deal with droughts, flooding and climate change) Driver [Sue Doughty (Guildford): We face the problems of climate change and droughts and the floods that often follow. There is an urgent need for environmental action. Our water systems have improved: the return of the otter to many parts of the country is widely welcomed. When I worked in the water industry many years ago, that was just a hope, but now it is being realised. But there is the problem of licensed over-abstraction. A licence may have allowed for too much abstraction, which damages the balance of watercourses, the chalk infrastructure and the winter bourns that rely on water rising and falling. We are losing species where the water does not return in the winter as expected. Animals such as the water vole are being lost. Careful management of abstraction and of river basins is vital if there are not to be further losses. We support the Environment Agency as a competent body for flood defence, but it would be much more effective if that responsibility were handled by river basin management committees rather than regional committees. After all, water drains according to gravity, not bureaucracy.]",HC Deb 08 September 2003 vol 410 cc56-151,"England,Wales",,,,,DI,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/2003/sep/08/water-bill,,
373,8,8,2003,Autumn,8,8,2003,Autumn,"Anticipated Impact (the introduction of the Water Bill which gives new powers to the Environment Agency regarding abstraction licences & drought management) [Mr. Jonathan Djanogly (Huntingdon): I accept that large abstractions need to be controlled for the management of drought and flooding, for environmental reasons and to provide equality between abstractors. I note the Environment Agency's fair point that, in some areas where exempt abstractions operate, licensed operators have been unable to take their valid entitlement. Unsurprisingly, given its significant new powers, the agency has been supportive of the Bill, but it will be important to review how the powers work in practice, not least those in clause 27, which allows the agency to revoke or vary abstraction licences after July 2012 if they cause environmental damage.]",HC Deb 08 September 2003 vol 410 cc56-152,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/2003/sep/08/water-bill,,Anticipated Impact
374,8,8,2003,Autumn,8,8,2003,Autumn,"Impact (the proposed Water Bill’s impact on the abstraction licences) The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mr. Ben Bradshaw) : The updated abstraction licensing regime means that we will have the tools to sustain our water resources in the long term in the face of climate change and changing demands. As many right hon. and hon. (…) I was pleased that several hon. Members mentioned the impact of the Bill on important environmental concerns such as biodiversity. For example, having recently visited the constituency of the hon. Member for Salisbury (Mr. Key), I am aware of the problem of water extraction on the River Avon, which passes through his city. That has a negative impact on the positive attempts to restore the historic water meadows that form part of the famous view of Salisbury cathedral. I am sure that that experience will be replicated. Indeed, other hon. Members gave examples from their constituencies of the damaging environmental impact of water abstraction in certain cases. Ending exemptions for abstractors such as trickle irrigators and quarries will result in a fairer system for all abstractors. All abstractors will be subject to the new regime if they abstract more than the new standard threshold of 20 cu m per day. That new threshold means that some 20,000 abstractions, mostly by farmers, will not need to be licensed in future.",HC Deb 08 September 2003 vol 410 cc56-153,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/2003/sep/08/water-bill,,
375,30,10,2003,Autumn,30,10,2003,Autumn,"Impact (about how the Water Bill complements the existing duty of water undertakers to promote the efficient use of water) [Mr. Morley: The Water Bill, currently before Parliament, contains a range of measures to advance water conservation. I have also asked Ofwat and the Environment Agency to review jointly the current and potential contribution that water efficiency can make to balancing the supply and demand for water. In addition to this more strategic work, Government are already engaged in a number of activities to encourage water efficiency in different sectors. Envirowise provides advice and guidance to businesses to promote water minimisation, and the Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme has recently been extended to include sustainable water use technologies. I am also considering the feasibility of introducing a product labelling scheme to help domestic consumers identify water efficient fittings and appliances. This will complement the existing duty on water undertakers to promote the efficient use of water by their customers.]",HC Deb 30 October 2003 vol 412 c385W,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/2003/oct/30/water-efficiency,,
376,5,11,2003,Autumn,5,11,2003,Autumn,"Anticipated Impact (the Water Bill & the duty to conserve water and improve water efficiency) [Mr. Wiggin: Clause 83 addresses the important duty to conserve water and improve water efficiency. An amendment relating to that issue was tabled by Labour Members and we had an important debate. I hope that further such amendments will be selected by Mr. Speaker, but who can tell at this stage? The water conservation duties in the Bill are too weak, and I hope to strengthen them on Report. I hope that an hour will be sufficient to hold an in-depth and constructive discussion on how to ensure the future best efficiency of our water because, after all, we all want the best possible management of water.]",HC Deb 05 November 2003 vol 412 cc855-69,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/2003/nov/05/water-bill-lords-programme-no-3,,Anticipated Impact
377,13,11,2003,Autumn,13,11,2003,Autumn,"State change (a discussion about how different areas of the country are affected differently by drought, so a response that would apply to the whole of the country would not be fit) [Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton: Circumstances do vary from area to area and it would be a patent nonsense for the Government to establish a level for drought that would then apply across the whole of the country. Different areas of the country are affected in different ways. As the noble Lord himself pointed out, certain parts of the country have had to learn to cope in advance of others.]",11 Nov 2003 : Column 1218,UK,,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200203/ldhansrd/vo031111/text/31111-04.htm,,
378,13,11,2003,Autumn,13,11,2003,Autumn,"State change (Some regions are more affected by the drought. Responses should be appropriate; the other companies can learn from the experience of those who have already encountered the problem) [Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton: My Lords, the noble Lord, Lord Renton, is right—there are variations between different parts of the country. London, the South East, the Lake District and Severn Trent are currently looking very carefully at this issue. I am pleased to reassure the noble Lord that companies in other regions will learn from the experience of the south-east.]",11 Nov 2003 : Column 1218,UK,"UKD,UKJ",UKD1,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200203/ldhansrd/vo031111/text/31111-04.htm,,
379,13,11,2003,Autumn,13,11,2003,Autumn,"Responses (drought permit) [Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton: My Lords, the noble Lord is right—the Environment Agency has a statutory duty to have regard to the environmental impact of plans that are put forward, particularly in a time of drought. As to its impact across Offa's Dyke, as I know the noble Lord knows, Severn Trent Water relies on a transfer from the Elan Valley reservoirs in mid-Wales for supplies to Birmingham. The company is in discussion with Welsh Water and the agency with regard to the need for a drought permit or order to conserve stocks and increase the likelihood of being able to refill reservoirs.]",11 Nov 2003 : Column 1218,UK,,,,,R,Regulation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200203/ldhansrd/vo031111/text/31111-04.htm,Welsh Water; Severn Trent Water,
380,13,11,2003,Autumn,13,11,2003,Autumn,Impact (increased power for parliamentary scrutiny of water conservation) [Lord Whitty: Amendment No. 82 places a new duty on the Secretary of State and the Welsh Assembly to take steps to encourage water conservation and report to Parliament or the Assembly on progress and proposed steps. This will advance the interests of water conservation and give Parliament the opportunity to scrutinise the sufficiency of the steps taken.],COMMONS AMENDMENTS (HL Bill 149): 13 Nov 2003 : Column 1667,Wales,UKL,,,,I,Legislation [Debate on the Water Act],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200203/ldhansrd/vo031113/text/31113-36.htm,,
381,13,11,2003,Autumn,13,11,2003,Autumn,"Impact (the Water Bill puts water resource and drought plans on a statutory basis)[Baroness O'Cathain: The Water Bill takes forward the main supply measures set out in the Defra paper (The Defra policy paper, Directing The Flow: Priorities For The Future of Water Policy, published in November 2002, discusses the water resource situation and identifies as a priority for water policy), putting water resource and drought plans on a statutory basis and makes changes to the abstraction licensing system.]",COMMONS AMENDMENTS (HL Bill 149): 13 Nov 2003 : Column 1669,UK,,,,,I,"Legislation [Debate on the Water Act], Policy ",Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200203/ldhansrd/vo031113/text/31113-36.htm,,
382,13,11,2003,Autumn,13,11,2003,Autumn,"Driver (water leakages seen as a policy problem) [The Government are also aware of the need for water companies to reduce their leakage rates. However, as the Environment Agency has pointed out, the majority of the region's water companies achieved a reduction in their leakage rates between 1997-98 and 2000-01.]",COMMONS AMENDMENTS (HL Bill 149): 13 Nov 2003 : Column 1669,UK,,,,,DP,Legislation [Debate on the Water Act],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200203/ldhansrd/vo031113/text/31113-36.htm,,
383,13,11,2003,Autumn,13,11,2003,Autumn,"Pressure and State change (the policy of optional and selective metering is considered inappropriate) [The Government's policy is to permit the growth of metering on a voluntary basis. For some time, the agency has accepted that real water savings from metering will come only when there is sufficient metering penetration to introduce innovative tariffs that dissuade high domestic use. (...)the reality is that pursuit of a policy of optional metering, at the request of customers and free of charge, is ineffective as a demand management tool. Compulsory metering is much more economical than optional or selective metering. Optional metering is more costly because meters may be situated only in every third, 10th or 20th house. In other words, compulsory metering is the only economic way of applying demand management in a scarce water area.]",COMMONS AMENDMENTS (HL Bill 149): 13 Nov 2003 : Column 1672,UK,,,,,PS,Legislation [Debate on the Water Act],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200203/ldhansrd/vo031113/text/31113-36.htm,,
384,13,11,2003,Autumn,13,11,2003,Autumn,"Response (calls to customers to help conserve water supplies) [The water companies that serve the region have called on their customers to help conserve water supplies, but it seems ludicrous to suggest to people in the middle of November that there should be a hose-pipe ban, because few hose-pipes are used at this time of year. I note that WaterVoice Southern, which is the voice of the consumer, is backing these efforts.]",COMMONS AMENDMENTS (HL Bill 149): 13 Nov 2003 : Column 1672,UK,,,,,R,Legislation [Debate on the Water Act],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200203/ldhansrd/vo031113/text/31113-36.htm,,
385,13,11,2003,Autumn,13,11,2003,Autumn,"Pressure (change in the metering policy from optional to compulsory seen as necessary) [Therefore, in light of the new Clause 81 and the deteriorating situation in the South East of England, do the Government have any plans to change their policy on metering? If not, do they believe that the situation in the South East is now sufficiently serious to warrant the Secretary of State declaring it ""an area of water scarcity"" and therefore to be subject to compulsory metering without the need for a company application, which would only delay the inevitable that a change in policy is required to recognise the seriousness of the situation? Lest I should be accused of worrying only about the South East, although that is where the situation is serious, the whole of England and Wales is seriously water deficient}.",COMMONS AMENDMENTS (HL Bill 149): 13 Nov 2003 : Column 1672,England,UKJ,,,,P,Legislation [Debate on the Water Act],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200203/ldhansrd/vo031113/text/31113-36.htm,,
386,13,11,2003,Autumn,13,11,2003,Autumn,"Impact (ancitipated - new measures for demand management) [Environment Agency this month, throughout England and Wales there is less water available per person than in some countries in Africa and the Middle East. Given the Government's own projection that there will be an increase of 3.3 million households in England and Wales between 1996 and 2016, and that the population is set to increase by 2 million over the same period, the situation is serious. Can the Minister inform the House what other measures the Government are considering in terms of demand management or resource development in order to comply with their new duty to take appropriate steps to encourage the conservation of water?]",COMMONS AMENDMENTS (HL Bill 149): 13 Nov 2003 : Column 1673,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Legislation [Debate on the Water Act],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200203/ldhansrd/vo031113/text/31113-36.htm,,
387,1,4,2004,Spring,1,4,2004,Spring,"Response (Drought order and Drought Permits application) [ Friends of Lake Districk (FLD) ""In December the regional water supply company, United Utilities, applied for Drought Permits and a Drought Order to take more water than normally permitted from Windermere and Ullswater to relieve the situation at Thirlmere and Haweswater. FLD did not object because there would be only limited landscape impact. The main impact being the small, temporary weir at Pooley Bridge.""]","Extracts from Memorandum submitted by the Friends of the Lake District; CLIMATE CHANGE AND WATER SECURITY, Select Committee on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Written Evidence;",England,UKD,UKD1,,,R,Report [to select committee],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmselect/cmenvfru/558/558we05.htm,,
388,1,4,2004,Spring,1,4,2004,Spring,"State change (reduced rates of abstraction) [Friends of Lake Districk (FLD) ""Equally we felt that the need to re-fill Thirlmere—by reduced rates of abstraction from this source—and Haweswater—through water transfer from Ullswater—would reduce the landscape impact of the exposed shorelines. Without any major winter rain this landscape impact could continue or worsen in 2004.""]","Extracts from Memorandum submitted by the Friends of the Lake District; CLIMATE CHANGE AND WATER SECURITY, Select Committee on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Written Evidence;",England,UKD,UKD1,,,S,Report [to select committee],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmselect/cmenvfru/558/558we05.htm,,
389,1,4,2004,Spring,1,4,2004,Spring,"Impact (anticipated - a new water resource plan/ Drought Plan) [11. What is needed is a fundamental review for water resource planning for the sustainable management, in our case, of the Lake District resources. Such a review should look at how the region's water resources might be better managed to safeguard the landscape and national policies leading to the designation of the Lake District National Park. During the recent (Dec 2003) drought inquiry our representative, Dr Walsh, called for a new Drought Plan to be drawn up that ideally avoids or at least reduces the frequency with which Drought Orders are being sought for Windermere and Ullswater. We currently await the response of United Utilities and the Environment Agency. Such water demands relate also to statutory duties to designated landscapes.]","Extracts from Memorandum submitted by the Friends of the Lake District; CLIMATE CHANGE AND WATER SECURITY, Select Committee on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Written Evidence;",England,UKD,UKD1,,,I,Report [to select committee],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmselect/cmenvfru/558/558we05.htm,,
390,1,4,2004,Spring,1,4,2004,Spring,"Pressure (poor leakage management) [17. FLD has concerns about the high levels of leakage from supply pipes and the inflexible attitude of the water industry and the Director General of Water Services in considering leakage as only a short-term economic matter. We regretfully note that the Ministerial Guidance to Ofwat (...) uses the term""economic levels of leakage"" and therefore fails to address the wider issues of government policy in respect of sustainability.]","Extracts from Memorandum submitted by the Friends of the Lake District; CLIMATE CHANGE AND WATER SECURITY, Select Committee on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Written Evidence;",England,UKD,UKD1,,,DP,Report [to select committee],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmselect/cmenvfru/558/558we05.htm,,
391,1,4,2004,Spring,1,4,2004,Spring,"Pressure (poor leakage management) [We reported to our members (April 2004): ""There are other related issues that need to be addressed including reducing consumption and addressing the problem of leakage from the water supply system. Over the last decade United Utilities has made real progress in reducing leakages from the supply system. However, the dry year of 2003 saw a slight deterioration in that position. We still believe that there is still too much water lost from the system.""]","Extracts from Memorandum submitted by the Friends of the Lake District; CLIMATE CHANGE AND WATER SECURITY, Select Committee on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Written Evidence;",England,UKD,UKD1,,,DP,Report [to select committee],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmselect/cmenvfru/558/558we05.htm,,
392,1,4,2004,Spring,1,4,2004,Spring,"Pressure (need for leakage to be redefined to ensure that it includes issues like landscape and conservation and is not simply based on economics) [""We have raised this matter at the national level with the Government's regulatory body, the Office of the Director General for Water Services (OFWAT). OFWAT has consulted us on some of the issues of the current review of water pricing that will affect all our bills from 2005. We have asked OFWAT to consider how they define leakage to ensure that includes issues related to landscape, amenity and conservation topics and is not simply based on economics. English Nature has voiced similar concerns on this matter.""]","Extracts from Memorandum submitted by the Friends of the Lake District; CLIMATE CHANGE AND WATER SECURITY, Select Committee on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Written Evidence;",England,UKD,UKD1,,,P,Report [to select committee],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmselect/cmenvfru/558/558we05.htm,,
393,1,4,2004,Spring,1,4,2004,Spring,"Anticipated Impact (anticipated - higher targets for control of leakages; a more holistic consideration of landscape and conservation issues recommended) [We recommend that the inquiry press for higher targets for the control of leakage from the water supply system and that a more holistic consideration of landscape and biodiversity issues alongside future water supply stress take precedence over the concept of ""economic levels of leakage"".]","Extracts from Memorandum submitted by the Friends of the Lake District; CLIMATE CHANGE AND WATER SECURITY, Select Committee on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Written Evidence;",England,UKD,UKD1,,,I,Report [to select committee],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmselect/cmenvfru/558/558we05.htm,,Anticipated Impact
394,1,4,2004,Spring,1,4,2004,Spring,"Pressure (new house building proposal will create additional water demands) Impact (anticipated/ recommended: that the new housing projects incorporates water saving and climate change considerations) [19. The issue of significant new house building proposals by Government will create additional water demands. The additional pressures that such development will add to potential stresses arising through climate change will no doubt feature strongly as an issue to be considered by this Inquiry. The planning for new developments should incorporate water saving devices and minimal water usage. The water savings achieved through supply metering (UKWIR Study with the Environment Agency 04/WR/01/16, 2004) appear to be very encouraging. Equally, the use of fiscal measures by Government to favour the purchase of low water consumption domestic and commercial appliances could be considered. In any case there remains a compelling need to favour water demand management policies throughout government policy.]","Extracts from Memorandum submitted by the Friends of the Lake District; CLIMATE CHANGE AND WATER SECURITY, Select Committee on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Written Evidence;",England,UKD,UKD1,,,PI,Report [to select committee],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmselect/cmenvfru/558/558we05.htm,,
395,1,4,2004,Spring,1,4,2004,Spring,"Driver (EU legislation’s impact on water reservoirs) [20. FLD note that over the last few years and with the increasing application of EU directives on water quality (eg affecting such matters as colour, heavy metal content, cryptosporidium) there has been a tendency for upland water resources to be concentrated on the larger reservoirs and larger water treatment works leading to, in perhaps 10-20 cases in the north-west, the abandonment of small reservoirs and stream sources. In some case the abandonment can lead to enhanced stream and river flows and potentially a richer biodiversity. In other cases the decommissioning of the small supply reservoirs and sources, as not readily economically reusable, may result in the loss of potential future resources. We recommend you consider that Ofwat undertake an assessment of abandoned sources to appraise if they might offer some future contribution to the supply system.]","Extracts from Memorandum submitted by the Friends of the Lake District; CLIMATE CHANGE AND WATER SECURITY, Select Committee on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Written Evidence;",England,UKD,UKD1,,,D,Report [to select committee],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmselect/cmenvfru/558/558we05.htm,,
396,1,4,2004,Spring,1,4,2004,Spring,"Pressure (EU legislation’s impact regarding adopting larger supply sources) [21. The changes, over the last few decades, towards fewer, larger supply sources and greater integration of supply networks, whilst beneficial to consumers, has further contributed to greater energy pumping costs for moving the water around such systems. We suspect the energy consumption of the current networks is huge, costly and, ironically, a potentially significant contribution to carbon dioxide and climate change. We recommend that you consider that an assessment is made of the sustainability of water supply systems.]","Extracts from Memorandum submitted by the Friends of the Lake District; CLIMATE CHANGE AND WATER SECURITY, Select Committee on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Written Evidence;",England,UKD,UKD1,,,P,Report [to select committee],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmselect/cmenvfru/558/558we05.htm,,
397,1,10,2005,Autumn,1,10,2005,Autumn,"Pressure [Longer term, the industry is facing a series of challenges to maintain an appropriate balance between supply and demand given changes in demography, economic activity, regulatory change and climate change. The relative seriousness of these risks can be summarised thus: — Climate change—serious. — Housing growth and density—serious. — Rate of use of water by customers—very serious. — Increased quality requirements have precluded use of some resources—moderately serious. — Leakage—locally serious. — Underinvestment in resources & infrastructure—locally serious. — Pollution of groundwater—serious.]","Extracts from Memorandum by The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, Select Committee on Science and Technology, Written Evidence, October 2005","England,Wales",,,,,P,"Regulation [Drought order], Report [to select committee]",Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldselect/ldsctech/191/191we08.htm,,Talk about underinvestment in resources and infrastructure
398,1,10,2005,Autumn,1,10,2005,Autumn,"Pressure (need to adapt the infrastructure in light of new climate change) [On climate change risks. Central estimates of climate-change influenced water resources futures indicate that current water management arrangements and systems will be able to manage likely increases in demand and reductions in resources, at least until the 2020s. However, other quite plausible scenarios with greater rates of warming and lower supply-demand ratios exist. We could easily suffer a much more severe drought than 1995-96, 1989-90 or 2005 in the near future, rather than in the 2020s or 2050s. Since strategies and plans need to be in place to deal with these possibilities, we should take the matter seriously and plan for it early. Are we doing so? CIWEM believes that we have started to do so, lately.]","Extracts from Memorandum by The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, Select Committee on Science and Technology, Written Evidence, October 2005","England,Wales",,,,,P,"Regulation [Drought order], Report [to select committee]",Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldselect/ldsctech/191/191we08.htm,,Need for investment in light of climate change
399,1,10,2005,Autumn,1,10,2005,Autumn,"Impact (Compulsory building regulations needed in order to meet water efficiency targets), Response, [On housing growth, and the proposed Sustainable Communities Plan expansion of housing in the South East of England. The proposed developments will have a water efficiency saving target of >25 per cent compared to normal homes, >20 per cent compared to other new (and therefore metered) homes. This is welcome. But such savings amont to reductions of around 50 l/h/d compared to a normal (unmetered) household, and around 30 l/h/d compared to a new (metered) household. Evidence from the savings achieved from water efficiency programmes implemented to date indicates that such savings will not be achieved easily. Compulsory building regulations will be needed, and a concerted, sustained awareness and education programme aimed at the population at large will be required. Even if the efficiencies are achieved, the Plan will still lead to a large increase in demand in areas already under strain to supply (75 per cent of 160 l/h/d = 120 l/h/d x 200,000 new homes with an occupancy rate of say 2.3 persons per household = 55 Ml/d = a large reservoir or 50 small boreholes). It is clear that savings will be needed from all households in the targetted regions, not just in the new ones, to reduce the need for new resource schemes, or increased use of existing water schemes.]","Extracts from Memorandum by The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, Select Committee on Science and Technology, Written Evidence, October 2005","England,Wales",UKJ,,,,IR,"Regulation [Drought order], Report [to select committee]",Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldselect/ldsctech/191/191we08.htm,,
400,1,10,2005,Autumn,1,10,2005,Autumn,"Pressure (need for more research in the area of strategic management and operational management) [Consideration of strategic management and operational management issues and options—in dealing with resource shortages, demand growth etc—lies squarely in the province of the regulators and water companies. Such research that is done in these areas outside of the inner circle of the industry (eg under EC funding) tends to be theoretical and somewhat esoteric, for want of access to real data and real context. We consider that not enough is being done in this area. For example, the responses of individual water companies to dealing with climate change is variable, partly commensurate to the risks each company faces, and partly hampered by lack of resources (skills, funding) to complete very detailed research studies required to check the robustness of drought and water resource plans to a wide range of possible future drought scenarios. Some companies have developed detailed operational models that help them to manage drought, others have not; some companies have secured funding for more detailed investigations into resource yields and climate change, others take the simplest possible approach.]","Extracts from Memorandum by The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, Select Committee on Science and Technology, Written Evidence, October 2005","England,Wales",,,,,PR,"Regulation [Drought order], Report [to select committee]",Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldselect/ldsctech/191/191we08.htm,,
401,1,10,2005,Autumn,1,10,2005,Autumn,"State change (anticipated water restrictions; a new approach to water restrictions - seeing them as a necessary and appropriate part of drought management, rather than as a problem) [Ofwat (...) has seen fit to draw attention to the fact that some companies in South East England would have to impose restrictions on demand should a severe drought occur in this period. As indicated above, CIWEM does not regard the use of demand restriction instruments in times of drought as a problem, but as a necessary and appropriate part of drought management.]","Extracts from Memorandum by The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, Select Committee on Science and Technology, Written Evidence, October 2005","England,Wales",UKJ,,,,S,"Regulation [Drought order], Report [to select committee]",Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldselect/ldsctech/191/191we08.htm,,
402,1,10,2005,Autumn,1,10,2005,Autumn,"Pressure (On the rate of use of water by domestic customers) [Domestic customers, in the main, appear to expect to be able to draw water without hindrance, whatever the circumstances, apparently unaware of the environmental opportunity cost (in respect of environmental impacts) and the marginal economic cost (in terms of the incremental cost of system enhancement) associated with maintaining unrestricted supplies in drought periods, and, crucially, apparently without appreciation of the true value of water. A major shift in the nation's attitude to water is required, particularly with regard to a re-evaluation of its preciousness as an environmental asset, and not merely as an exploitable, on-tap resource.]","Extracts from Memorandum by The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, Select Committee on Science and Technology, Written Evidence, October 2005","England,Wales",,,,,P,"Regulation [Drought order], Report [to select committee]",Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldselect/ldsctech/191/191we08.htm,,
403,1,10,2005,Autumn,1,10,2005,Autumn,"Pressure (need for adapted water resource-supply systems) [We should plan, design and fund drought-resilient water resource-supply systems able to meet essential demand in droughts; but not systems to meet unrestricted demand in such circumstances, at unacceptable cost to the environment. This requires attention to raising awareness that restrictions on the use of water for non-essential purposes is an acceptable and responsible action in times of drought.]","Extracts from Memorandum by The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, Select Committee on Science and Technology, Written Evidence, October 2005","England,Wales",,,,,P,"Regulation [Drought order], Report [to select committee]",Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldselect/ldsctech/191/191we08.htm,,
404,1,10,2005,Autumn,1,10,2005,Autumn,"Pressure; Responses (new approach to water supply security by the government, so called 'twin-track') [The options for increasing water supply security are encapsulated within the government's twin-track approach. This involves both demand management (extension and promotion of water efficiency including changes to building regulations as appropriate) and, where justified, the development of sustainable local water resources and technologies for water conservation. The approach also requires the achievement of forecast reductions in leakage levels through leakage control, metering, and increased water mains renewals. It is thought that factors to be considered in arguments for and against the promotion of options for water supply security should include: levels of service, the relative magnitudes of water delivered and economies of scale, and sustainability.]","Extracts from Memorandum by The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, Select Committee on Science and Technology, Written Evidence, October 2005","England,Wales",,,,,PR,"Regulation [Drought order], Report [to select committee]",Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldselect/ldsctech/191/191we08.htm,,
405,1,10,2005,Autumn,1,10,2005,Autumn,Responses [The basic option for increasing supply is to increase storage.],"Extracts from Memorandum by The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, Select Committee on Science and Technology, Written Evidence, October 2005","England,Wales",,,,,R,"Regulation [Drought order], Report [to select committee]",Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldselect/ldsctech/191/191we08.htm,,
406,1,10,2005,Autumn,1,10,2005,Autumn,"Leakage control now appears to be nearing the economic limit [The improved control and management of leakage over the last 15 years has in effect provided a significant resource that would otherwise have required further abstraction from the environment, or/and significant (and earlier) demand management savings. In most areas and companies in England and Wales, leakage control now appears to be nearing the economic limit, to the extent that further benefits from this quarter are likely to decline asymptotically to the long term economic limit (which will reduce over time as technology improves, but at a declining rate).]","Extracts from Memorandum by The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, Select Committee on Science and Technology, Written Evidence, October 2005","England,Wales",,,,,P,"Regulation [Drought order], Report [to select committee]",Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldselect/ldsctech/191/191we08.htm,,Leakage control now appears to be nearing the economic limit
407,1,10,2005,Autumn,1,10,2005,Autumn,"Pressure, Responses (various types and solutions for dealing with them) [Summarising: — Build more reservoirs—good for security of supply but could have adverse environmental effects. — National water grid—very expensive, likely to be locally practical, only. — Estuarine barrages—expensive, with issues beyond water supply. — Desalination—expensive, energy hungry, waste disposal challenges.]","Extracts from Memorandum by The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, Select Committee on Science and Technology, Written Evidence, October 2005","England,Wales",,,,,PR,"Regulation [Drought order], Report [to select committee]",Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldselect/ldsctech/191/191we08.htm,,
408,1,10,2005,Autumn,1,10,2005,Autumn,"The larger industry recognises the economic value of water [Demand from industry is now decreasing in most parts of the UK, because of the decline of primary and secondary industrial activity in the economy, and as companies have recognised the economic value to themselves of limiting water use and effluent discharges, in reduced supply and collection charges. Agricultural demand is also expected to decline, overall, but with peak demand in the growing season remaining high. Demand is expected to change—with household demand, by becoming higher and peakier—under climate change scenarios. Central scenarios of climate change indicate the need for the nation's water planners to plan increasingly for greater swings in water resources availability between wet spells and dry spells.]","Extracts from Memorandum by The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, Select Committee on Science and Technology, Written Evidence, October 2005","England,Wales",,,,,S,"Regulation [Drought order], Report [to select committee]",Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldselect/ldsctech/191/191we08.htm,,Impact of water shortages on the industry and economy overall: changed approach to the 'value' of water
409,1,10,2005,Autumn,1,10,2005,Autumn,"Pressure (insufficient population awareness regarding water shortage) [Demand can be managed more effectively by making individuals in society aware of the true value of water and the opportunity costs associated with excessive or imprudent consumption of those resources. Education and awareness might achieve substantial reductions in demand from the average consumption of 150/litres per day in England and Wales. More water efficient appliances can help, as can the use of more drought tolerant plants and gardens. In the end, though, it is creating the mindset that we need to become ""low water-using people"" that will make the difference.] Response.","Extracts from Memorandum by The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, Select Committee on Science and Technology, Written Evidence, October 2005","England,Wales",,,,,PR,"Regulation [Drought order], Report [to select committee]",Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldselect/ldsctech/191/191we08.htm,,
410,1,10,2005,Autumn,1,10,2005,Autumn,Pressure (under-capacity of many combined storm sewer systems) [ Scenarios of climate change involving more frequent intense rainstorms have highlighted the under-capacity of many combined storm sewer systems. The ownership and performance of the Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) now under design and development are issues for attention.],"Extracts from Memorandum by The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, Select Committee on Science and Technology, Written Evidence, October 2005","England,Wales",,,,,P,"Regulation [Drought order], Report [to select committee]",Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldselect/ldsctech/191/191we08.htm,,
411,1,10,2005,Autumn,1,10,2005,Autumn,"Pressure (need for new approaches to metering and pricing) [The whole matter of metering and its potential demand reduction benefits needs to be placed in the context of (a) the cost of metering—which increases incrementally, on a unit cost basis—and (b) the fact that the cost of water and wastewater services in England and Wales amounts to something in the order of only 2 per cent of average household income. Pricing may not be as effective an incentive to household water consumption as it has been in industry, where the cost of water supplies and wastewater treatment and discharge services can constitute a significant part of the total operational cost of the enterprise. That said, the requirement (under the 1999 Water Industry Act) that water scarcity status must be declared before water companies are able to compulsorily meter properties is a hindrance in enabling companies to introduce economically-justified metering of high water-using customers (noting that properties with swimming pools, and all new properties, are already subject to compulsory metering). Socio-economic needs must of course be considered, but perhaps as part of welfare policy rather than water management policy.]","Extracts from Memorandum by The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, Select Committee on Science and Technology, Written Evidence, October 2005","England,Wales",,,,,P,"Regulation [Drought order], Report [to select committee]",Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldselect/ldsctech/191/191we08.htm,,Pricing
412,1,10,2005,Autumn,1,10,2005,Autumn,"Pressure (anticipated; water supply infrastructure and drainage infrastructure inadequate for future needs) [Many practitioners fear that the current state of water supply infrastructure and drainage infrastructure is just adequate for current needs, but inadequate for future needs.]","Extracts from Memorandum by The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, Select Committee on Science and Technology, Written Evidence, October 2005","England,Wales",,,,,P,"Regulation [Drought order], Report [to select committee]",Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldselect/ldsctech/191/191we08.htm,,
413,1,10,2005,Autumn,1,10,2005,Autumn,"Talk about future investment [There is also a view that whilst since privatisation water companies have invested billions in improving their asset base, to an extent that proved impossible in the publicly funded era, these improvement programmes have involved a higher proportion of short and medium life assets, such as automatic monitoring systems, than in the past. This means that assets have to be replaced more often and many of the short and medium life assets installed since privatisation in the late 1980s will need to be replaced or modernised through sufficient investments, in the medium to long term.]","Extracts from Memorandum by The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, Select Committee on Science and Technology, Written Evidence, October 2005","England,Wales",,,,,P,"Regulation [Drought order], Report [to select committee]",Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldselect/ldsctech/191/191we08.htm,,Future investment 
414,1,10,2005,Autumn,1,10,2005,Autumn,"Pressure (problem at the level of prioritisation of water management in housing policy) [It is our contention that water continues to sit quite low on the list of priorities as far as issues such as housing, land-use planning, etc are concerned. Whilst planning policy statements do mention the need to consider water, such policy has not necessarily been embraced as fully by planners as we would like to see.]","Extracts from Memorandum by The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, Select Committee on Science and Technology, Written Evidence, October 2005","England,Wales",,,,,P,"Regulation [Drought order], Report [to select committee]",Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldselect/ldsctech/191/191we08.htm,,
415,1,10,2005,Autumn,1,10,2005,Autumn,"Pressure (insufficient population awareness about water shortage and possible solutions for dealing with this problem) [The pricing mechanism can encourage individuals to be more prudent in their use of water resources.(...) On the other side of the coin, research shows that those individuals living in metered households can take the view that since they pay directly and pro-rata for the water they consume, it should be made available to them in whatever volumes they require. Thus metering can reduce the response of customer to appeals for restraint by water companies.]","Extracts from Memorandum by The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, Select Committee on Science and Technology, Written Evidence, October 2005","England,Wales",,,,,P,"Regulation [Drought order], Report [to select committee]",Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldselect/ldsctech/191/191we08.htm,,
416,1,10,2005,Autumn,1,10,2005,Autumn,"Impact: Regulator (The Environment Agency (EA) [The 2003 Water Act placed water companies under an enforceable duty to further water conservation. The EA retains the duty to ensure the proper distribution and use of water resources. It is plainly the case that imposing the duty to conserve upon privatised water companies (whose primary function (and duty) is to supply wholesome water in sufficient quantities to their customer base, and to collect and treat the wastewater after use) introduces an interesting and effective check upon any tendency to unrestricted supply that water companies might otherwise pursue. In this sense, the duty is properly placed on water companies.]","Extracts from Memorandum by The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, Select Committee on Science and Technology, Written Evidence, October 2005","England,Wales",,,,,I,"Regulation [Drought order], Report [to select committee]",Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldselect/ldsctech/191/191we08.htm,,Regulator (Environment Agency)
417,1,10,2005,Autumn,1,10,2005,Autumn,"Driver (the regulatory approach has not been adapted to new climatic and economic conditions) Impact (anticipated; need for new approaches to water management to be developed)[‘If there was a problem in 2005, it was that appeals were not sought soon enough, not that they were sought at all. Water providers and environmental managers need to appreciate that ""trigger to action"" rules and response to situation approaches based on the patterns and policies of the past could prove to be less and less reliable in the future, as climatic and economic conditions change, as social mores change, and as regulatory requirements change (including the need to consult stakeholders more widely and more interactively than previously, and the need to manage catchments and environmental resources holistically and sustainably, in compliance with the provisions of the European Water Framework Directive). There is a need for new ways of working to be developed, tested and tuned to an unsteady climatic, economic and social reality.’]","Extracts from Memorandum by The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, Select Committee on Science and Technology, Written Evidence, October 2005","England,Wales",,,,,DI,"Regulation [Drought order], Report [to select committee]",Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldselect/ldsctech/191/191we08.htm,,Anticipated Impact
418,1,10,2005,Autumn,1,10,2005,Autumn,"State changes [‘That appeals and restrictions were needed in 2005 should not be regarded as constituting a problem. Appeals and restrictions are part of the water industry's operating machinery for managing droughts, and we should expect them to be used when significant rainfall deficits put pressure on the ability of water resources systems to meet the unrestricted demands of people, so as to avoid unacceptable damage to the environment. People should expect to be supplied with good, wholesome water for essential needs (for drinking, cooking and washing), whatever the weather; but they should not expect to be able to draw water without restraint for non-essential uses, like garden watering, when rivers, lakes and aquifers are prejudicially low (or at risk of being so at some point in the future of a drought event).’]","Extracts from Memorandum by The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, Select Committee on Science and Technology, Written Evidence, October 2005","England,Wales",,,,,S,"Regulation [Drought order], Report [to select committee]",Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldselect/ldsctech/191/191we08.htm,,
419,1,10,2005,Autumn,1,10,2005,Autumn,"Responses: (imposed restraints on the use of water; on the use of sprinklers and hosepipes; ); Responses (40 drought orders in 1996, 3 in 1997, and 1 in 2003) [The 2005 drought is arguably the first significant drought of the last decade—there were more than 40 drought orders in 1996 in the aftermath of the 1995 drought but only three in 1997 and one in 2003. The number of restrictions imposed by water companies has declined markedly over the last 15 years not just because the period has been characterised by few droughts, but also because water companies have progressively and effectively integrated their resource bases to enable them to manage local drought difficulties rather better than was the case in previous decades.]","Extracts from Memorandum by The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, Select Committee on Science and Technology, Written Evidence, October 2005","England,Wales",,,,,R,"Regulation [Drought order], Report [to select committee]",Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldselect/ldsctech/191/191we08.htm,,
420,1,10,2005,Autumn,1,10,2005,Autumn,"State changes (imposed restraints on the use of water; on the use of sprinklers and hosepipes; ); Responses (drought orders and permits) [‘(a) The problems experienced in 2005: Rainfall was below its long term average in each of the nine months leading into the summer of 2005. This led to depleted groundwater resources in aquifers, reduced stocks in surface water reservoirs and low flows in river systems. In some areas, water companies had to appeal for restraint in the use of water by their customers, and a few companies made applications for drought permits and orders, to impose restrictions on the use of sprinklers and hosepipes, and to enable them to abstract more from their sources.’]","Extracts from Memorandum by The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, Select Committee on Science and Technology, Written Evidence, October 2005","England,Wales",,,,,SR,"Regulation [Drought order], Report [to select committee]",Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldselect/ldsctech/191/191we08.htm,,
421,30,3,2006,Spring,30,3,2006,Spring,"Driver (water supply criticised as unacceptable and unsustainable) [The Environment Agency stated that the drought is most severe in Kent and Sussex. The Commons Environmental Audit Committee judged that, ""areas of the South East are already being supplied water by an unacceptable and unsustainable abstraction regime in both winter and summer months"". It did not qualify that statement with any reference to drought; it considered the situation to be unacceptable in all circumstances. Defra, on the other hand, continually claims observance of scientific advice on all matters for which it is responsible. Does the continuation of house plans in the south-east indicate that Defra and scientific observance counts for much less than the obsessions of the ODPM? Or is responsibility for the environment a moveable feast? Others have said before—and I repeat—that it is a question not just of the amount of rain that we are not having, but of the pressure on the very water table itself, as well as on the river flows, and of the ecological impact.]",Lords Hansard; 30 Mar 2006: 30 Mar 2006 : Column 864,England,UKJ,,,,D,Regulation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldhansrd/vo060330/text/60330-04.htm#60330-04_spnew3,,
422,30,3,2006,Spring,30,3,2006,Spring,"Response (reduction of water pressure in order to reduce leakage and other measures) [I have read various speeches and looked at announcements and analysis concerning the water problem. They have one thing in common: a sticking-plaster approach. The gradual reduction of water pressure may reduce leakage rates, but it will affect water flows within buildings. How many of us have been slightly scalded by our showers, only to find that the water pressure has been reduced by perhaps a burst water main nearby? How much will be spent on installing pumps to boost water flow rates in office blocks, high-rise buildings, schools and hospitals? Has anyone calculated the extra cost of maintaining those pumps? Several water companies are bringing in a ban on car cleaning. I wonder whether the Government fear that might cut across the legal requirement to keep one's vehicle sufficiently clean and that the visibility, particularly of the number plates, is not impaired. Will the Minister reflect on that?]",Lords Hansard; 30 Mar 2006: 30 Mar 2006 : Column 863,England,UKJ,,,,R,"Regulation, Legislation",Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldhansrd/vo060330/text/60330-04.htm#60330-04_spnew3,,
423,30,3,2006,Spring,30,3,2006,Spring,"Impact [The whole question of water metering was debated fully when we took the Water Act through this House a couple of years ago. I know there are some households that fear it, and it is important that we ensure that families, particularly those on low incomes, will not be jeopardised. What consideration has been given to those who will be forced to have water meters? What arrangements will be made for some help regarding the amount of water they use? If you have large families—and often those on low incomes have one or two more children than some others might—there is obviously greater pressure on the amount of water you use.]",Lords Hansard; 30 Mar 2006: 30 Mar 2006 : Column 862,UK,,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldhansrd/vo060330/text/60330-04.htm#60330-04_spnew3,,
424,30,3,2006,Spring,30,3,2006,Spring,"Impact (regarding 2003 Water Act Responses (Drought orders and permits) [Drought orders and drought permits restrict access towards supplies. During our discussions of the then Water Bill it was made clear that many rivers were even affected by unsustainable levels of extraction. We were lobbied by users, particularly by the horticultural sector—especially the watercress growers—who were very threatened by the new legislation. Hitherto they had not needed a licence, but they are now likely to be refused one because the businesses that had to be licensed under the previous law were taking all that rivers could bear. The Minister will know only too well that vast areas of England are totally reliant for the production of their crops and for food supply on a steady supply of water. That is particularly true of potatoes, carrots and other horticultural products. I could name several, but I need not because the Minister is nodding and appreciates the difficulties they face.]",Lords Hansard: 30 Mar 2006 : Column 864,UK,,,,,IR,Legislation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldhansrd/vo060330/text/60330-04.htm#60330-04_spnew3,,
425,30,3,2006,Spring,30,3,2006,Spring,"Impact (Water Bill); [I know that when we debated the then Water Bill in Committee there was unease about the Minister taking responsibility. Under the pressures we face now, it needs to be clarified whether the Environment Agency or the Minister himself is responsible. We have been assured by the Minister that sufficient water is available to serve all the new housing projects planned for the south-east. We need to seek that reassurance today. Given the likely continuing climate change effect, the problem will only worsen in the coming years. This is where Defra and the ODPM find themselves in different camps. The house-building plans of the ODPM give most people a feeling akin to the old saying, ""Somebody has just walked over my grave"". We do not need to stop and think hard about it: we know that it is a ridiculous plan to increase water consumption in an area of acute water shortage without adequate plans to ensure that the water supply will be maintained.]",Lords Hansard: 30 Mar 2006 : Column 864,UK,,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldhansrd/vo060330/text/60330-04.htm#60330-04_spnew3,,
426,30,3,2006,Spring,30,3,2006,Spring,"Response and impact (Indicates links between ‘response’ and ‘impact’, i.e. the specific response of being declared as a water scarce area for a specific company leads to the more long term impact of having water meters installed)[As for Thames Water reducing pressure to reduce leakage, companies have duties to maintain a minimum water pressure. Reduction from historic pressures does reduce leaks. The noble Baroness, Lady Shephard, asked about car washing in Oxford; the noble Baroness, Lady Byford, also asked about that. Hosepipe bans apply to car washing, but hand-washing can continue under a hosepipe ban. That is a little bit of good news.]",30 Mar 2006 : Column 886,England,,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldhansrd/vo060330/text/60330-09.htm,Thames Water,
427,30,3,2006,Spring,30,3,2006,Spring,"Impact (Desalination advocated as one option to deal with water shortages. One desalination plant built by South East Water in Newhaven) [Building desalination plants is another option that water companies may want to consider. One is being built by South East Water in Newhaven. However, other companies proposing such plants will need to be able to demonstrate their sustainability.]",30 Mar 2006 : Column 886,England,UKJ,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldhansrd/vo060330/text/60330-09.htm,South East Water,
428,30,3,2006,Spring,30,3,2006,Spring,"Agriculture’s impact on water consumption (a lot of it is focused in East Anglia. In the summer agriculture can take as much as the public supply in that part of England) [‘Agriculture uses about 2 per cent of our water nationally, but that is of course seasonal and—to use the modern jargon—spatial.’]",30 Mar 2006 : Column 886,England,,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldhansrd/vo060330/text/60330-09.htm,,Agriculture and water consumption
429,30,3,2006,Spring,30,3,2006,Spring,"Impact (Reference to drought planning as now, potentially also in response to the drought, from October 2005 onwards being a statutory requirement, and no longer just a voluntary measure for water companies.) [In its recent report to Ministers, the Environment Agency advised that we may have the worst drought in the past 100 years. But droughts are not new; they are in fact normal events that vary in intensity and duration. They can lead to some severe local conditions, as in the south-east at present, and an often patchy impact on water resources and the water-dependent environment. It is a natural phenomenon, and the steps we have taken mean we are now much better able to deal with the consequences of drought.]",30 Mar 2006 : Column 887,England,,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldhansrd/vo060330/text/60330-09.htm,,
430,30,3,2006,Spring,30,3,2006,Spring,"Impact (measures adopted to respond to periodic water shortages) [‘We have put in place the measures necessary to respond to periodic water shortages and promote the full sustainability of water resources and supplies in England and Wales. In particular, the statutory water resources plans will set out how water companies will secure water supplies in the medium to longer term. Statutory drought plans detail how they will respond in the shorter term to these periodical shortages, and public consultation will be the order of the day.’]",30 Mar 2006 : Column 884,"England,Wales",,,,,I,"Regulation, Legislation",Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldhansrd/vo060330/text/60330-09.htm,,
431,30,3,2006,Spring,30,3,2006,Spring,"Pressure (leakage management) [‘Since we asked Ofwat to set annual leakage reduction targets for each company, total industry leakage in England and Wales has reduced from 4,530 megalitres per day in 1996–97 to 3,608 megalitres per day. That is a reduction of some 20 per cent. Targets are set in relation to the economic level of leakage, which is the level at which it costs more to fix leaks than to produce water from another source. That approach provides consumers with a cost-effective approach to leakage management’.]",30 Mar 2006 : Column 884,UK,,,,,P,Regulation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldhansrd/vo060330/text/60330-09.htm,,
432,30,3,2006,Spring,30,3,2006,Spring,"Pressure (Leakage management and ways in which the regulator can intervene) [Most companies in England and Wales are operating at their target economic levels. During the recent quinquennial review of water price limits, Ofwat assessed those levels in the light of a best practice standard drawn up in 2002 and then defined targets for 2005-10. Various options are available to the regulator when companies fail to meet their targets. Ofwat will consider the severity of the company's leakage problem and its previous performance against targets. The most common measures used are interim reporting and extra progress reports, but in the worst-case scenario Ofwat can fine a water company that is not complying with its duties or is exposing customers to worsening security of water supplies by failing to achieve cost-effective levels of leakage’.]",30 Mar 2006 : Column 884,UK,,,,,P,Regulation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldhansrd/vo060330/text/60330-09.htm,,
433,30,3,2006,Spring,30,3,2006,Spring,"Response (restrictions are not perceived as fair by the citizens) [‘While hosepipe bans and restrictions on the non-essential use of water might be unwelcome, the cost to a water company, and ultimately to its customers, of avoiding the need to have such controls during a prolonged drought would be very high. It is far more cost-effective, and potentially less environmentally damaging, to manage demand and impose restrictions to conserve water through the use of hosepipe bans and occasional drought orders and permits.’]",Lords Hansard: 30 Mar 2006 : Column 887,UK,,,,,R,Regulation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldhansrd/vo060330/text/60330-09.htm,,
434,30,3,2006,Spring,30,3,2006,Spring,"Impact (water companies now under a duty to promote efficient water use); Responses  (compulsory metering encouraged) [Water companies are under a statutory duty to promote the efficient use of water by their customers. The Water Act introduced provision for new duties to further water conservation. Advice from water companies, audits of premises, supply, pipe leakage repairs, increased metering and so on all have a role to play in furthering water conservation, but companies can go further if necessary. They can apply to the Secretary of State for water scarcity status. (...)The company expects its metering programme to take about 10 years. The decision was of course reached only after careful examination and should not be taken to mean that we advocate a move to compulsory metering throughout England and Wales.]",30 Mar 2006 : Column 885,"England,Wales",,,,,IR,Legislation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldhansrd/vo060330/text/60330-09.htm,,
435,30,3,2006,Spring,30,3,2006,Spring,"Pressure (Problems with leakage can be pinpointed to two water companies) [‘Two companies only missed their 2004–05 leakage targets—Thames Water and United Utilities. There are action plans in place for both companies, and agreed with Ofwat, to reduce their leakage to economic levels, and it is for Ofwat to decide whether any further measures are needed. We know that Thames Water is undertaking a major upgrade of its water distribution network in London, which involves replacing more than 1,200 kilometres of water mains over five years at an estimated cost of £0.5 billion.’]",30 Mar 2006 : Column 885,England,,,,,DP,Regulation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldhansrd/vo060330/text/60330-09.htm,Thames Water and United Utilities,
436,30,3,2006,Spring,30,3,2006,Spring,Impact (anticipated introduction of compulsory metering) [The effect is that the company can now compulsorily meter its customers. The government has a cautious approach to compulsory metering: ‘The company expects its metering programme to take about 10 years. The decision was of course reached only after careful examination and should not be taken to mean that we advocate a move to compulsory metering throughout England and Wales.],30 Mar 2006 : Column 885,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldhansrd/vo060330/text/60330-09.htm,,
437,30,3,2006,Spring,30,3,2006,Spring,"Impact (Discussion of new regulatory tools for achieving more efficient use of water) [‘The Government are also involved in a wide range of activities designed to encourage more sustainable water use, e.g. the Envirowise programme, which provides practical environmental advice and assistance to help businesses to reduce their water consumption. There is also an enhanced capital allowance scheme and water fittings regulations. We are currently assessing the feasibility of a product-labelling scheme to help consumers and building designers to identify water-efficient fittings and appliances.’]",30 Mar 2006 : Column 885,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldhansrd/vo060330/text/60330-09.htm,,
438,30,3,2006,Spring,30,3,2006,Spring,"Pressure (Continuing debate about the merits of a national grid) [To manage national water resources more effectively—and here I come to a point raised by the noble Baroness, Lady Shephard—it has been proposed that we construct a national water grid. A good deal of water is already transferred within water companies' areas of operation to give individual companies greater flexibility to meet local shortages, but there would be objections if a full national grid were developed. First, there would be major environmental concerns, due to widespread excavations; secondly, there would be cost concerns, with expensive energy consumption in pumping water around the grid. None the less, the Environment Agency has been asked to do further analysis on the possible viability of such a national water grid.]",30 Mar 2006 : Column 886,"England,Wales",,,,,P,Regulation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldhansrd/vo060330/text/60330-09.htm,,
439,13,6,2006,Summer,13,6,2006,Summer,"Driver (lack of an approach that considers both flooding and drought) [‘That is not just a problem in the Gatwick triangle: the Thames Gateway is one of the areas that is most prone to flooding, yet has one of the scarcest water supplies. That is a real conundrum for the Government to solve, and we look to the Minister for a more sophisticated answer than those that were forthcoming from the ODPM.’]",13 Jun 2006 : Column 182WH,UK,,,,,D,Legislation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060613/halltext/60613h0003.htm,,
440,13,6,2006,Summer,13,6,2006,Summer,"Pressure: A mild criticism of water privatisation: some sense that the Government would be shaping the water resource management plans [‘Water is not a laissez-faire industry: the private sector is dominant, but the Government are ultimately responsible for drawing up and having ownership of the 25-year plans, but we hear little of those plans, which are sketchy and underpowered. New as the Minister is to his job, I would like to hear more about his vision for the long-term direction of the UK water industry in those 25-year plans, and what personal input he will have into shaping those plans so that they are fit for the 21st century.’]",13 Jun 2006 : Column 182WH,UK,,,,,P,Legislation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060613/halltext/60613h0003.htm,,A mild criticism of water privatisation: some sense that the Government would be shaping the water resource management plans
441,13,6,2006,Summer,13,6,2006,Summer,"Response and state change (Actions taken during and after the drought) [The Environment Agency considered the 2003-6 drought as the worst in 30 years. ‘One of the Government’s earliest initiatives on coming to power in 1997 was to hold a water summit, which produced a 10-point plan for action. That plan included actions to reduce leakage, improve water conservation and efficiency and review the abstraction licensing system and drought management.’]",13 Jun 2006 : Column 186WH,UK,,,,,SR,Legislation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060613/halltext/60613h0003.htm,,
442,13,6,2006,Summer,13,6,2006,Summer,"Impact (about how the 2003 Act has improved the capacity to deal with droughts) [‘The 2003 Act has facilitated a number of important changes to further the sustainable use of water resources, promote water conservation, strengthen the voice of water consumers and increase the opportunity for competition in the supply of water. The Act makes the provision and maintenance of water company drought plans, which were previously prepared voluntarily, a statutory requirement, and legislation to bring that about was passed in October last year. Drought plans need to balance a water company’s duty to maintain public water supplies with the need to avoid or minimise any potential damage to the environment. They contain various actions that water companies may introduce, depending on the length and severity of the drought. Those actions range from hosepipe bans to drought orders to restrict non-essential uses of water during a drought. Before publishing their final plans, water companies are required to complete a public consultation on their draft plans and to respond to any representations that they receive.’]",13 Jun 2006 : Column 186WH,UK,,,,,I,Legislation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060613/halltext/60613h0003.htm,,
443,13,6,2006,Summer,13,6,2006,Summer,"State change (leakage reduction during the drought) [Ian Pearson: ‘During the current drought, it is particularly important that water companies are seen to be doing all that they can to reduce leakage. Leakage reduction is vital across the system, and most companies in England and Wales are operating at the leakage levels set by the economic regulator Ofwat.’]",13 Jun 2006 : Column 187WH,UK,,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060613/halltext/60613h0003.htm,,
444,13,6,2006,Summer,13,6,2006,Summer,"Impact (anticipated; new leakage indicator needed) [‘Martin Horwood: I cannot quote Water UK exactly, because I have handed its report to the Official Report, but it says that leakage trend rates, which have been increasing, as I said, for the past five or six years, indicate that the economic level of leakages has now been reached. That suggests that, in some ways, we have reached the end of that indicator’s useful life and that we need to go beyond it to look at the environmental importance of reducing leakages and reversing the upward trend. Does the Minister accept the need to reverse that trend?’]",13 Jun 2006 : Column 188WH,UK,,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060613/halltext/60613h0003.htm,,
445,13,6,2006,Summer,13,6,2006,Summer,"Impact (on obligation to present annual reviews to the Environment Agency) [‘Since the 1999 periodic review, water companies have prepared 25-year water resource plans. Until recently, they were not required to, and did so only on a voluntary basis. The 25-year plans describe how each company aims to achieve a sustainable supply-demand balance for the public water supply. They are updated annually by companies and reviewed by the Environment Agency for consistency with its own 25-year national and regional water resources strategies’]",13 Jun 2006 : Column 188WH,UK,,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060613/halltext/60613h0004.htm,,
446,13,6,2006,Summer,13,6,2006,Summer,"Impact (introduction of water resources management plans) [‘Like drought plans, water resources management plans will be subject to public scrutiny and consultation. The plans are designed to reflect the best available information on the consequences of climate change, an issue to which the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Martin Horwood) referred, and to ensure that the latest research is factored into them on an ongoing basis.’]",13 Jun 2006 : Column 189WH,UK,,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060613/halltext/60613h0004.htm,,
447,13,6,2006,Summer,13,6,2006,Summer,"Impact (The government has a ‘twin-track’ approach to water resource management) [‘The plans should also reflect the Government’s “twin track” approach to managing water resources, which is based on demand management, developing sustainable resources where they are needed and the implications of demographic change and increasing pressures for housing on the demand for water resources. I shall explain in detail how the system is supposed to work.’]",13 Jun 2006 : Column 189WH,UK,,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060613/halltext/60613h0004.htm,,
448,13,6,2006,Summer,13,6,2006,Summer,"Pressure (new housing plans may impact the supply and demand of water) [‘The Government recognise that there are concerns that their plans for significant new house building in the south-east might have an adverse impact on supply and demand for water in that area. That additional demand should be factored into water companies’ water resource plans, and it is important for those plans to be updated as more detailed information on housing numbers and locations is provided, to ensure that resources are available to meet any increase in demand. As a Government, we want a two-way dialogue between water companies and planning bodies to ensure that that happens.’]",13 Jun 2006 : Column 189WH,UK,,,,,P,Regulation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060613/halltext/60613h0004.htm,,
449,13,6,2006,Summer,13,6,2006,Summer,"Impact (anticipated; the role of water companies as statutory consultees in development projects)‘ [During this debate, we have perhaps missed the point that the water companies are statutory consultees on regional spatial strategies and local development frameworks, and that the planning bodies will be statutory consultees on water resources plans. That is an important step forward. However, a question is left in my mind about how individual planning applications should operate, and there is at least an arguable case that significant planning applications should have very clear inputs from the water companies, and that those inputs should be taken into account as part of the planning process.]",13 Jun 2006 : Column 189WH,UK,,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060613/halltext/60613h0004.htm,,
450,13,6,2006,Summer,13,6,2006,Summer,"Impact (anticipated; water companies as statutory consultees in planning projects) [I am not sure that the water companies themselves would want to be statutory consultees for every planning application, but the fact that they are statutory consultees to the local development framework and the regional spatial strategies is an important and significant point.’]",13 Jun 2006 : Column 189WH,UK,,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060613/halltext/60613h0004.htm,,Anticipated Impact
451,13,6,2006,Summer,13,6,2006,Summer,"(Perceived) Pressure: A patchwork of economic interests [‘Richard Ottaway: I completely accept the Minister’s point and am glad to hear that he is considering the issue, certainly in respect of the larger applications. However, I should like to take him back to my previous point: he probably has to consult more water companies in the south-east than in the rest of the country. That fragmentation concerns me. On the map, one sees that South East Water is separated physically from itself by Southern Water, and then it starts again; then it is over on the Isle of Wight. There is an absolute patchwork of economic interests—all well run; I do not belittle that. Is there some way of putting that lot together into a more cohesive unit?’]",13 Jun 2006 : Column 189WH,UK,,,,,P,Regulation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060613/halltext/60613h0004.htm,,A patchwork of economic interests
452,13,6,2006,Summer,13,6,2006,Summer,"The market and the allocation of resources by the water companies [Ian Pearson: I appreciate the hon. Gentleman’s point, but we are talking about private companies. If the market decides that there is a more efficient way to allocate those resources, market forces will be expected to drive further consolidation in the industry, subject to the normal concerns of regulations and competition. I would expect that to happen.’]",13 Jun 2006 : Column 190WH,UK,,,,,,Regulation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060613/halltext/60613h0004.htm,,The market and the allocation of resources by privately-owned water companies
453,13,6,2006,Summer,13,6,2006,Summer,"Responses: The relationship between the market and allocation of resources by privately owned companies [Ian Pearson: I make the point back to the hon. Gentleman that there have been significant improvements on connections between companies’ networks. Water sharing between water companies is going on to meet variations in demand. To that extent, the market is deciding that, where it is sensible to join up, that should happen.’]",13 Jun 2006 : Column 190WH,UK,,,,,R,Regulation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060613/halltext/60613h0004.htm,,The market and the allocation of resources by privately-owned water companies
454,13,6,2006,Summer,13,6,2006,Summer,Impact (solutions for meeting supply-demand balance in the future) [Ian Pearson: ‘The current and future long-term water resources plans identify a range of options for meeting the supply-demand balance. Supply side options include new reservoirs and desalination plants; both are identified in the plans of some companies and will need proper appraisal for the future.’],13 Jun 2006 : Column 190WH,UK,,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060613/halltext/60613h0004.htm,,
455,27,6,2006,Summer,27,6,2006,Summer,"Pressure (it is suggested that the Thames Water Company’s poor record of stopping leaks in London and poor management of water allocation is a cause for the necessity of imposing a drought order); Response (an application for a drought order by Thames Water) [Harry Cohen (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab): I thank Mr. Speaker for granting me this debate on the drought order for London. I oppose that order being granted, and the debate gives me the opportunity to explain why. The reason is Thames Water’s poor record of stopping leaks in London and its intention to have a drought order imposed. I was angry that despite the wettest May on record, during which time a hosepipe ban was in place, just days into June Thames Water said that it would apply for a draconian drought order. Such an order would let it restrict water use as it sees fit. At its very worst, residents could be limited to standpipes for their supply. I can see the restrictions starting in August when Parliament is not sitting, so that the matter cannot be raised then, and so I wrote to the Leader of the House demanding a debate ahead of any decision on the drought order.]",27 Jun 2006 : Column 25WH,England,UKI,,,London,PR,Regulation [Drought order],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060627/halltext/60627h0004.htm,Thames Water Company,
456,27,6,2006,Summer,27,6,2006,Summer,"Pressure: Pricing, ownership, market monopoly [Thames Water is a privatised monopoly. It has been allowed by the regulator to put up its prices by 24 per cent. on top of inflation, a rise that was supposed to take place between 2005 and 2010. Thames took the opportunity to do that nearly all at once, with a 21 per cent. price rise last year and another 4.3 per cent. rise from April. Its profits have soared, up 31 per cent. to £346 million last year. A £270 million dividend went to its German parent company RWE, which has taken £1 billion in dividends out of Thames Water in its five and a half years of ownership. The Evening Standard reports that RWE’s five-man board got £24 million remuneration last year, with them and other top executives also making multi-million pound share killings.]",27 Jun 2006 : Column 25WH,England,UKI,,,London,P,Regulation,Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060627/halltext/60627h0004.htm,Thames Water Company,"Pricing, foreign ownership of the water company, profit, market monopoly"
457,27,6,2006,Summer,27,6,2006,Summer,"Pressure (it is suggested that the Thames Water Company has a poor record at stopping water leakages) Response (an application for a drought order by Thames Water). Despite those riches sloshing around, it failed to stop 894 million litres of water a day leaking from Thames Water’s pipes. That is enough to fill 350 Olympic-size swimming pools every day. Thames Water has failed to meet the target level for leaks set for it by the water regulator for five years running, and despite the targets set last year for leak losses being far too great at 860 million litres a day, Thames Water leaked 894 million litres. To put that into perspective, 2.8 million homes could be supplied by the leaked amount.",27 Jun 2006 : Column 25WH,England,UKI,,,London,PR,Regulation [Drought order],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060627/halltext/60627h0004.htm,Thames Water Company,
458,27,6,2006,Summer,27,6,2006,Summer,"Pressure (Ofwat, the regulator, acknowledges that there have been serious problems in how Thames Water managed water leakages) Response (an application for a drought order by Thames Water) [Ofwat: “given its current leakage performance we are concerned that the company may not meet future leakage targets or its security of supply commitments”.]",27 Jun 2006 : Column 25WH,England,UKI,,,London,PR,Regulation [Drought order],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060627/halltext/60627h0004.htm,Thames Water Company,
459,27,6,2006,Summer,27,6,2006,Summer,"Pricing [Ofwat: ""Customers are paying the higher prices that Thames Water has been allowed to charge without getting all the benefits that the company has promised to deliver. This is unacceptable”]",27 Jun 2006 : Column 26WH,England,UKI,,,London,P,Regulation [Drought order],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060627/halltext/60627h0005.htm,Thames Water Company,Pricing
460,27,6,2006,Summer,27,6,2006,Summer,"Pressure (it is suggested that the cause of drought order is the poor leakage performance by Thames Water) Response (an application for a drought order by Thames Water) Response (an application for a drought order by Thames Water) [Ofwat: “The company's poor leakage performance is not only inefficient, it is also contributing to water shortages that have led Thames Water to impose a hosepipe ban and seek a drought order”.]",27 Jun 2006 : Column 26WH,England,UKI,,,London,PR,Regulation [Drought order],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060627/halltext/60627h0005.htm,Thames Water Company,
461,27,6,2006,Summer,27,6,2006,Summer,"Pressure (the poor leakage management is seen as a cause for the imposition of the drought order) Response (an application for a drought order by Thames Water) [Comment by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: “These leakage results from Thames Water are of real concern”. Comment by Dame Yve Buckland, Chairman of the Consumer Council for Water, which covers England and Wales: “Thames’ performance is unacceptable. Their customers have every right to question whether they are getting what they have paid for”.]",27 Jun 2006 : Column 26WH,England,UKI,,,London,PR,Regulation [Drought order],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060627/halltext/60627h0005.htm,Thames Water Company,
462,27,6,2006,Summer,27,6,2006,Summer,"Pressure (poor leakage management is seen as the cause for the drought order) Response (an application for a drought order by Thames Water)  [The Federation of Small Businesses called on the Secretary of State to deny the water company the drought order. John Holbrow, the FSB national environment chairman: “The water companies' lack of understanding of the situation of small businesses is staggering and reeks of arrogance. If they invested more of their profits in fixing leaks there would not be a water shortage in the first place. The amount used by small firms is a drop in the ocean compared to the amount lost by the water companies through leakage. Yet small firms are threatened with closure while the water companies continue on in their inefficient ways”.]",27 Jun 2006 : Column 26WH,England,UKI,,,London,PR,Regulation [Drought order],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060627/halltext/60627h0005.htm,Thames Water Company,"Impact on the economy, small businesses"
463,27,6,2006,Summer,27,6,2006,Summer,"Pressure (poor water leakage seen as cause for imposing drought orders) Response (an application for a drought order by Thames Water) [Harry Cohen (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab) I do not think that the Minister can claim that water leakage has got better over recent years. I shall share with him figures from a recent parliamentary answer on the amount in megalitres per day of Thames Water’s leakage: in 1997-98, 906 megalitres, 1998-99, 770 megalitres, 1999-2000, 662 megalitres, 2000-01, 688 megalitres—so far so good. It looked like things were getting better, but then of course RWE purchased the company. After that the figures are: 2001-02, 865 megalitres, 2002-03, 943 megalitres, 2003-04, 946 megalitres, 2004-05, 915 megalitres. I say to him that that is not an improving situation.]",27 Jun 2006 : Column 26WH,England,UKI,,,London,PR,Regulation [Drought order],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060627/halltext/60627h0005.htm,Thames Water Company,
464,27,6,2006,Summer,27,6,2006,Summer,"Pressure (poor management of water leakage by Thames Water) Response (an application for a drought order by Thames Water) [Anyway, those figures are far too high. We should be looking to come down much further. Given global warming, Thames Water must urgently make progress in stopping leaks far beyond the regulator’s targets. Thames Water says that by 2009 it hopes to have replaced 1,000 miles of London’s 3,000 mile, 150-year-old Victorian network But only 135 miles of mains were replaced last year. Thames Water’s excuses, such as blaming London’s clay soil, are feeble. London has always had that type of soil, and certainly did in 2000]",27 Jun 2006 : Column 26WH,England,UKI,,,London,PR,Regulation [Drought order],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060627/halltext/60627h0005.htm,Thames Water Company,
465,27,6,2006,Summer,27,6,2006,Summer,"Pressure (Strong criticism of Thames, but also of Ofwat for insufficiently reducing leakage rates); Response (the context of the criticism is an application for a drought order by Thames Water): [Harry Cohen (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab): As I said, Thames Water is a privatised monopoly, which has been rapacious at its customers’ expense since privatisation. The water regulator seems to think that his role as the protector of London’s public interest in its water supply—supposedly his main purpose—is best served by letting Thames be a greedy business. He has got it wrong. He is trying to ride two horses at the same time and I am afraid that they have gone off in different directions. It is time to make the public interest primary. Londoners are beginning to lose faith in him doing that. His relationship with Thames Water is far too cosy. He is too easily conned by the Thames Water argument that what is good for its business is good for the public. That is plainly not so.]",27 Jun 2006 : Column 27WH,England,UKI,,,London,PR,Regulation [Drought order],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060627/halltext/60627h0005.htm,Thames Water Company,
466,27,6,2006,Summer,27,6,2006,Summer,"Pressure (Strong criticism of Thames, but also of Ofwat for insufficiently reducing leakage rates; reorganisation of water company's ownership suggested); Response (the context of the criticism is an application for a drought order by Thames Water) : [Harry Cohen (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab): If the regulator cannot do his job, then London’s public interest protection should be handed over to the London Mayor. He would certainly do it. Londoners will now look at the regulator closely. For a start, he should require that future price rises are restricted. Then he needs to set targets for leak stoppage that are considerably hiked from the current ones. He should fine Thames for such a poor performance, including—there should be legislation if needed—the directors. Any fine should be ring-fenced so as to be reapplied to stopping leaks; they should not just go to the Treasury for general use, as seems likely to be the case at present. Will the Minister pledge that a fine, if imposed, would be ring-fenced? Otherwise the fine is just a punishment and Londoners get punished along with Thames Water. Thames Water now has a credibility gap. This drought order should not be granted, because of the poor water management. If Thames Water cannot do the job, the company should brought back into public ownership.]",27 Jun 2006 : Column 27WH,England,UKI,,,London,PR,Regulation [Drought order],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060627/halltext/60627h0005.htm,Thames Water Company,Proposed reoganisation of water company ownership from private to public
467,27,6,2006,Summer,27,6,2006,Summer,"Response [In the Commons Debate there is also anticipated that there may be drought orders for 2012 Olympics.  [If we do not get it right, we shall have drought order restrictions in the lead-up to, and during, the 2012 Olympics. That will be to the detriment of the games, and although I know that the games are only one event, they are important, particularly to the prestige of the country. We do not want water restrictions at that time.]",27 Jun 2006 : Column 27WH,England,UKI,,,London,R,Regulation [Drought order],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060627/halltext/60627h0005.htm,Thames Water Company,
468,27,6,2006,Summer,27,6,2006,Summer,"Pressure (Strong criticism of Thames, but also of Ofwat for insufficiently reducing leakage rates; reorganisation of water company's ownership suggested); Response (the context of the criticism is an application for a drought order by Thames Water): [Harry Cohen (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab) [Thames Water is clearly in a league of its own. Ofwat’s target for Thames Water by 2010 is that it be leaking only 205 litres per property per day. That is 30 litres per property per day more than the worst performance of any other current water company. There are historical reasons for that—the London water infrastructure is in a different state from that in other parts of the country. Nevertheless, the trend does not seem to be in the right direction. Again, from Ofwat’s figures, we can see that Thames Water is leaking 200 million litres per day more than it was leaking in 1999-2000. So six years on, we are in a worse situation. There comes a point where we have to ask whether the current regulatory regime is tackling the issue.]",27 Jun 2006 : Column 27WH,England,UKI,,,London,P,Regulation [Drought order],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060627/halltext/60627h0005.htm,Thames Water Company,
469,27,6,2006,Summer,27,6,2006,Summer,"Pressure (Strong criticism of Thames, but also of Ofwat for insufficiently reducing leakage rates; reorganisation of water company's ownership suggested); Response (the context of the criticism is an application for a drought order by Thames Water): [Harry Cohen (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab): hon. Gentleman also mentioned the staggering price rises suffered by Thames Water customers, which were 21 per cent. in one year, an average of £44 per property. That is happening in a scenario in which £1 billion of dividends has been taken by RWE over five years and a £24 million remuneration package has been paid to the RWE board. If we look at Thames Water, let alone the parent company, we see that operating profits reported for the past financial year were up 6 per cent., at £385 million. Incredibly, directors’ bonuses last year increased from £228,000 to £615,000, with the total remuneration of the four executive directors up 62 per cent., at £1.26 million. If their water leakage record were improving by similar percentages, the residents of London would be much happier. Bill Alexander, the chairman, was paid just under £800,000 and retiring managing director, John Sexton, received £415,000. Those accounts were revealed only three months after the staggering 21 per cent. price rise for Thames Water customers.]",27 Jun 2006 : Column 27WH,England,UKI,,,London,PR,Regulation [Drought order],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060627/halltext/60627h0005.htm,Thames Water Company,
470,27,6,2006,Summer,27,6,2006,Summer,"Impact (anticipated: a new strategy of managing leakages as an economic indicator/ factor) [Part of the regulatory regime deals with what is called the “economic level of leakage”, which appears to be an acceptable rate of leakage. An Ofwat report states: “We believe that companies should compare the cost of reducing leakage and the value of the water saved... By setting leakage targets at an economic level, or a proxy for the economic level where this has not been adequately assessed, helps to ensure best value for customers.”]",27 Jun 2006 : Column 32WH—continued,"England,Wales",UKI,,,,I,Regulation [Drought order],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060627/halltext/60627h0006.htm,,New approach to managing leakages as an economic factor
471,27,6,2006,Summer,27,6,2006,Summer,"Impact (encouraging water efficiency): [Then there is the broader issue of water efficiency. Thames Water is partly responsible for encouraging it, but it is also a Government responsibility—indeed, it is the responsibility of us all. What steps are being taken to reverse the worsening situation that Water UK has recorded in respect of demand management? It states in its latest report that between 2002-03 and 2003-04 domestic water demand went up from 1.56 litres per pound of gross domestic product to 1.59 litres. In other words, the situation was getting slightly worse. Water demand, both domestic and non-domestic, in litres per person per day rose from 149.1 to 150.3, again a slight worsening of the situation. Overall, demand management is failing.]",27 Jun 2006 : Column 34WH,"England,Wales",UKI,,,London,I,Regulation [Drought order],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060627/halltext/60627h0006.htm,Thames Water Company,
472,27,6,2006,Summer,27,6,2006,Summer,"Pressure: Comment about the poor water management by Thames Water and how this may be linked to the privatisation of the company [Thames Water alone is not responsible for this state of affairs—it is not a company operating in a free market in its purest sense and this is not something in which Government intervention is unknown. It is a company operating within a tightly controlled statutory framework in an extremely regulated environment. Since the water companies were first privatised, the Labour party has been in control of that regulatory environment for the majority of the time. It has been in office for nine years—longer than the preceding period during which the water companies were first privatised. Back in 1997, when Labour came to power, it said in its manifesto: “Labour is determined to see significant improvements in the way the water industry serves local people, contributes to its communities and looks after the environment”.]",27 Jun 2006 : Column 34WH,"England,Wales",UKI,,,London,P,Regulation [Drought order],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060627/halltext/60627h0006.htm,Thames Water Company,Comment about privatisation resulting in poor management of water in the case of Thames Water
473,27,6,2006,Summer,27,6,2006,Summer,"Response (an application for a drought order by Thames water )Gregory Barker: ‘[In closing, I will raise two more points. First, with Thames Water applying for a drought order, I do not share the view of the hon. Member for Leyton and Wanstead that it should be resisted. The order is a necessary evil. It is very sad that we have got to this situation, but now we are there we have to look for strategic and long-term planning. However, in considering a drought order, has the Minister assessed the impact that this will have on small businesses?']",27 Jun 2006 : Column 39WH,"England,Wales",UKI,,,London,R,Regulation [Drought order],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060627/halltext/60627h0007.htm,Thames Water Company,
474,27,6,2006,Summer,27,6,2006,Summer,"Drought order's anticipated impact on the economy (small businesses and tourism)[The Federation of Small Businesses has sought legal advice and believes that about 250,000 workers in 25,000 businesses across the area could be affected by a drought order. What assessment has the Minister made of that impact and of the effect on London tourism, which is worth a huge amount of money to the country?’ ]",27 Jun 2006 : Column 39WH,"England,Wales",UKI,,,London,I,Regulation [Drought order],Water Industry,http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060627/halltext/60627h0006.htm,Thames Water Company,Drougth order's impact on the economy (small businesses and tourism); Anticipated Impact
475,16,5,2011,Spring,16,5,2011,Spring,"Stephen Phillips (Sleaford and North Hykeham) (Con): If this drought continues, it will affect not only those in rural constituencies but the pocket of every constituent of every Member of this House in six months to a year’s time.",16 May 2011: Volume 528: Farming (Droughts),"England,Wales",,,,,P,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2011-05-16/debates/11051632000002/Farming(Droughts),,Drought's impact on population
476,16,5,2011,Spring,16,5,2011,Spring,"Drought’s impact on farming and consumer prices [Dr Coffey: My hon. and learned Friend is absolutely right to say that this situation will come to impact on every single person in this country. One of the challenges that our farmers face is that irrigation is needed to meet the quality standards that our supermarkets demand for what they will sell on their shelves. This is also about the price that we are prepared to pay for our food. There is an impact not just on the price of a potato or an onion, but on the feed for our livestock because of a lack of forage and hay, which will have repercussions next winter. We will all pay a heavy price for that.]",16 May 2011: Volume 528: Farming (Droughts),"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2011-05-16/debates/11051632000002/Farming(Droughts),,Drought’s impact on farming and consumer prices 
477,16,5,2011,Spring,16,5,2011,Spring,"Drought’s impact on farming, consumer prices, and food security [Dr Coffey: My hon. Friend and my hon. and learned Friend are right to recognise that this issue will impact on everyone. If our countrymen are happy to see greater imports, perhaps we will be protected from the price surges, but I believe that given the choice most people in this country would prefer to buy British, so we must do something as a consequence. As I said, this issue does not affect all farmers or all counties across the country, but it does impact on the bread basket of our fair land. In my constituency, spraying has started early. Irrigation has long been part of the agriculture of Suffolk Coastal, which has a similar climate to north Africa. We have imported technologies from Morocco, Israel and similar places in recognition of the fact that we have one of the driest areas, although I recognise that one of my colleagues believes that his area is drier. This issue is impacting not just on agriculture, but on wildlife. Landguard nature reserve near Felixstowe is facing similar troubles and the lack of water is having an impact on biodiversity.]",16 May 2011: Volume 528: Farming (Droughts),"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2011-05-16/debates/11051632000002/Farming(Droughts),,"Drought’s impact on farming, consumer prices, and food security "
478,16,5,2011,Spring,16,5,2011,Spring,"Impact: long-term impacts at the level of abstraction regulation since 1997; Drought’s impact on farming [Dr Coffey: I will come on to the realities affecting farmers in my part of the world. The people who abstract came together in 1997 to form the East Suffolk Water Abstractors Group. They work with the Environment Agency to abstract correctly and appropriately to balance the needs of different water users. Most people have a quota for the year. Some people have taken a gamble by starting to spray early compared with previous seasons. They are concerned that they might be restricted later in the season. Thus far, the Environment Agency has not shown the flexibility that it did in 2009, when it allowed people to abstract later. I recognise that the Environment Agency has been proactive on this front and is working with farmers and other people to manage the situation. I pay tribute to it, because it is difficult to strike the right balance. However, there is no question but that people in my constituency are worried about the potential lack of water for their crops.]",16 May 2011: Volume 528: Farming (Droughts),"England,Wales",UKH,UKH1,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2011-05-16/debates/11051632000002/Farming(Droughts),,Drought's impact on farming
479,16,5,2011,Spring,16,5,2011,Spring,"Anticipated state change: measure to ensure abstraction [Dr Coffey: What is the risk to rivers? In my constituency, the Blyth is running very slowly. Other parties, such as the internal drainage boards and the water companies, sometimes help by pumping water out to increase the flow. However, some of the farmers in my constituency are facing the reality that, by the end of next month, they may no longer be able to abstract at all. That is particularly worrying. Will the Minister say what co-ordinated action is being taken by the Environment Agency, internal drainage boards, water companies and farmers to understand how we can ensure that abstraction can continue?]",16 May 2011: Volume 528: Farming (Droughts),"England,Wales",,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2011-05-16/debates/11051632000002/Farming(Droughts),,Drought's impact on population
480,16,5,2011,Spring,16,5,2011,Spring,"Drought’s impact on farming [The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mr James Paice): My hon. Friend has referred to 1976. The situation is very bad in our part of England—the east of England—but it is not yet a repetition of 1976, which has gone down in the annals of history as probably the worst ever event for farmers. I add that in the past three years, EEDA, to which my hon. Friend has referred, has assisted in the construction of some 26 farm reservoirs, of which there were very few back in 1976. At today’s meeting, we were told by farmers’ representatives that the latest estimate was for a 12% reduction in cereal yields, although that hides a massive range—some estimates suggest that some farmers will experience a 50% reduction.]",16 May 2011: Volume 528: Farming (Droughts),"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2011-05-16/debates/11051632000002/Farming(Droughts),,Drought's impact on farming
481,16,5,2011,Spring,16,5,2011,Spring,"Drought’s impact on farming [The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mr James Paice): The impact on the horticulture sector, in both fruit and vegetables, is much more variable. As I have said, top fruit and soft fruit have generally benefited, whereas vegetable production has needed irrigation much earlier in the season than usual, as my hon. Friend has rightly said. That means that growers who have a limited amount of water to use, whether from a reservoir or abstraction rights, must think about rationing their usage.]",16 May 2011: Volume 528: Farming (Droughts),"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2011-05-16/debates/11051632000002/Farming(Droughts),,Drought's impact on farming
482,16,5,2011,Spring,16,5,2011,Spring,"Drought’s impact on farming [The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mr James Paice): The picture on livestock farms is one of concern—mainly about costs, particularly following a prolonged winter—but it is not yet one of panic, although I stress that we are only in the middle of May. In the dairy sector, the National Farmers Union advice is that the dry weather has brought forward the grass silage harvest, and boosted grass-sugar and energy levels, which has benefited those in good grass-growing regions.]",16 May 2011: Volume 528: Farming (Droughts),"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2011-05-16/debates/11051632000002/Farming(Droughts),,Drought's impact on farming
483,16,5,2011,Spring,16,5,2011,Spring,"Impact: Anticipated regulation for competing priorities for abstraction [The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mr James Paice): As my hon. Friend has said, it is clear that the main problem is for farmers who do not have reservoirs, who do not abstract from groundwater and who abstract from our rivers. Farmers have to compete for those abstraction rights with water companies, which abstract for human consumption, and with other industries. Overall, therefore, there are diminishing supplies. At this morning’s meeting, we felt this was an issue of great importance, and I can tell the House that we will be arranging a further meeting shortly specifically to consider the competing priorities for abstraction.]",16 May 2011: Volume 528: Farming (Droughts),"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2011-05-16/debates/11051632000002/Farming(Droughts),,Drought's impact on population
484,16,5,2011,Spring,16,5,2011,Spring,"Driver and impact  (alleged) need for infrastructural project for dealing with drought in the future [The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mr James Paice): Taking a longer perspective, last week the Secretary of State published a Command Paper setting out the strong economic, social and environmental case for ensuring that our infrastructure is resilient enough to cope with the effects of climate change. Who can tell whether today’s circumstances are the result of climate change? None of us can. None the less, the document pays particular regard to water infrastructure, which will need to cope, we believe, with hotter and drier summers, more extreme weather events and changing precipitation patterns in the years to come.]",16 May 2011: Volume 528: Farming (Droughts),"England,Wales",,,,,DI,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2011-05-16/debates/11051632000002/Farming(Droughts),,Drought's impact on population
485,16,5,2011,Spring,16,5,2011,Spring,"Driver and response: anticipated infrastructural projects for dealing with drought risk [The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mr James Paice): As my hon. Friend has said, water may well be today’s oil—or tomorrow’s oil at any rate—so to help realise the Government’s vision of a well-adapted infrastructure network that can continue to support our economy, our infrastructure operators have been instructed to prepare climate risk assessments under the Climate Change Act 2008. My noble Friend Lord Henley will publish those assessments from water companies this Friday.]",16 May 2011: Volume 528: Farming (Droughts),"England,Wales",,,,,R,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2011-05-16/debates/11051632000002/Farming(Droughts),,Drought's impact on population
486,16,5,2011,Spring,16,5,2011,Spring,"Impact: to reform the water abstraction regime to facilitate investment [The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mr James Paice): It is clear from what my hon. Friend and I have said that rights of water abstraction are a major issue for farmers. Work is going ahead, in consultation with farmers and a wide range of stakeholders, on the water White Paper, which we have already announced and hope to publish this autumn. We are considering whether to reform the water abstraction regime to facilitate investment, not least in reservoirs, and to respond to increased variability and the reduced availability of water owing to climate change. Of key interest to farmers will be the potential in such reform to increase the regulatory certainty in the abstraction regime in order to help farmers invest in storage.]",16 May 2011: Volume 528: Farming (Droughts),"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2011-05-16/debates/11051632000002/Farming(Droughts),,Drought's impact on population
487,16,5,2011,Spring,16,5,2011,Spring,"State change: use of reservoirs [The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mr James Paice): My hon. Friend has asked me about the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and the regulations on reservoirs of more than 10,000 cubic metres. She is right that the Act allows the extension of the Reservoirs Act 1975 to those reservoirs in the 10,000 cubic metres to 25,000 cubic metres capacity range. Reservoirs that pose negligible risks to public safety will not be regulated. Many farm irrigation reservoirs are remote from built-up areas and are of low-embankment height, and that includes reservoirs currently regulated under the 1975 Act. I hope that goes some way to allaying her concerns.]",16 May 2011: Volume 528: Farming (Droughts),"England,Wales",,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2011-05-16/debates/11051632000002/Farming(Droughts),,Drought's impact on population
488,16,5,2011,Spring,16,5,2011,Spring,"State change: short term measures to facilitate trading in abstraction licences; Impact: anticipated regulatory reform linked to abstraction licences [The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mr James Paice): Of key interest to farmers will be regulatory certainty. We are working closely with our farmers to develop that reform. In our approach to the White Paper, we are also considering a package of shorter-term measures to facilitate trading in abstraction licences, which should assist farmers managing their water use efficiently. It may surprise my hon. Friend to know—indeed, it surprised me—that there are farmers with abstraction licences who do not use them. Indeed, I discovered that there was one close to my home only over the weekend—the farmer is now thinking about using it. That is the situation, so the ability to trade licences would be a step forward.]",16 May 2011: Volume 528: Farming (Droughts),"England,Wales",,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2011-05-16/debates/11051632000002/Farming(Droughts),,Drought's impact on population
489,16,5,2011,Spring,16,5,2011,Spring," Impact: measures to improve water use [The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mr James Paice): We are also funding research into a wide range of issues, including investigating ways to improve water use. My hon. Friend referred several times to the use of spray irrigation, which is by far the commonest form of irrigation, although most people would accept that it probably wastes the most water. It is worth pointing out that those who use trickle irrigation are not subject to abstraction licences, so the more that we can do to improve water usage for irrigation—with more effective and perhaps novel strategies—the better. We are also investing in research that aims to anticipate the effects of climate change, so that we can be more accurate in helping people find the best ways to adapt. There is obviously also an issue when it comes to developing new and sustainable ways of providing livestock with sources of potable water, including novel methods for harvesting, storing and delivering water from rainfall, as well as from traditional sources such as rivers and streams.]",16 May 2011: Volume 528: Farming (Droughts),"England,Wales",,,,,SI,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2011-05-16/debates/11051632000002/Farming(Droughts),,Drought's impact on population
490,10,6,2011,Summer,10,6,2011,Summer,"State change: farmers to stop taking water for irrigation, noticed to prevent abstraction issued [The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mrs Caroline Spelman): Some reservoir levels are below normal for the time of year and ground water levels are in decline as we expect at this time of year. But it is our rivers that are seeing the greatest impact. The majority of rivers across south-west, central and eastern England have below average river flows with some experiencing exceptionally low flows. These low flows are impacting on farmers that rely on spray irrigation during dry spells in the growing season to water their crops. Water for spraying is abstracted from our rivers under licence and conditions attached to those licences have meant that some farmers have had to stop taking water for irrigation. In addition, a small number of notices have been issued to prevent abstraction for irrigation to protect the Romney Marsh site of special scientific interest.]",10 June 2011: Volume 529: Dry Weather Conditions,"England,Wales","UKH,UKF","UKH1,UKH2,UKF2",,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2011-06-10/debates/11061044000007/DryWeatherConditions?highlight=drought#contribution-11061044000011,,
491,10,6,2011,Summer,10,6,2011,Summer,"State Change: anticipated short-term water saving measures [The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mrs Caroline Spelman): I have been monitoring developments closely and held a drought summit last month with the farmers, water companies and environmental groups, to hear first-hand the impacts on different sectors and to agree actions that could be taken. The Environment Agency will report back later this month on the situation and potential impacts on water supplies, farmers and the environment. Natural England is also meeting conservation groups on 14 June and will report back to me on actions to reduce the impact on wildlife. A further meeting is taking place today with representatives of farming, water and energy companies and environmental groups to consider actions that can be taken in the short-term to make their water go further and to look at actions to build resilience in the future. I shall convene a further drought summit later this month to review progress and consider what further actions we may need to take.]",10 June 2011: Volume 529: Dry Weather Conditions,"England,Wales","UKH,UKF","UKH1,UKH2,UKF2",,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2011-06-10/debates/11061044000007/DryWeatherConditions?highlight=drought#contribution-11061044000011,,
492,10,6,2011,Summer,10,6,2011,Summer,"State change: monitoring the situation, encourage voluntary water restrictions before imposing formal restrictions [The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mrs Caroline Spelman): We are working closely with farmers, growers and their organisations as they monitor the situation. Wherever possible, the Environment Agency is working with farmers to encourage voluntary restrictions on water use before imposing formal restrictions on spray irrigation. More widely, the agency has worked with water companies and water users to develop plans that minimise the risk of short-term restrictions on water use.]",10 June 2011: Volume 529: Dry Weather Conditions,"England,Wales","UKH,UKF","UKH1,UKH2,UKF2",,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2011-06-10/debates/11061044000007/DryWeatherConditions?highlight=drought#contribution-11061044000011,,
493,10,6,2011,Summer,10,6,2011,Summer,"State change: Environment Agency issued guidance for wise water consumption [The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mrs Caroline Spelman): For those areas that have moved to drought status, the Environment Agency is working with water companies to remind people and businesses to use water wisely. Natural England has issued guidance to farmers and is ensuring that appropriate environmental stewardship derogations are made available to farmers in agri-environmental scheme agreements as a result of drought-related conditions.]",10 June 2011: Volume 529: Dry Weather Conditions,"England,Wales","UKH,UKF","UKH1,UKH2,UKF2",,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2011-06-10/debates/11061044000007/DryWeatherConditions?highlight=drought#contribution-11061044000011,,
494,10,6,2011,Summer,10,6,2011,Summer,"State change: drought plans, anticipated temporary restrictions on water use [The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mrs Caroline Spelman): Most water companies are reporting that they have sufficient reserves and do not predict the need for restrictions on use. Just one, Severn Trent, has informed its customers that restrictions may become necessary should the dry weather continue. Water companies have statutory drought plans that set out how they will manage the impacts of a drought. These plans include early triggers to bring all available water sources into supply before restrictions are imposed on the public water supply. Should there be a need to conserve water for the public supply then water companies may impose temporary restrictions on certain non-essential uses of water to help reduce the likelihood of more stringent demand restrictions that impact on customers and businesses.]",10 June 2011: Volume 529: Dry Weather Conditions,"England,Wales","UKH,UKF","UKH1,UKH2,UKF2",,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2011-06-10/debates/11061044000007/DryWeatherConditions?highlight=drought#contribution-11061044000011,,
495,10,6,2011,Summer,10,6,2011,Summer,"State change: setting up means of communication with the population in view of better water use [The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mrs Caroline Spelman): Householders can get good advice on how to make best use of water from their water supplier, and from Waterwise (www.waterwise.org.uk). Water companies are increasing their engagement in this respect.]",10 June 2011: Volume 529: Dry Weather Conditions,"England,Wales","UKH,UKF","UKH1,UKH2,UKF2",,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2011-06-10/debates/11061044000007/DryWeatherConditions?highlight=drought#contribution-11061044000011,,
496,10,6,2011,Summer,10,6,2011,Summer,"Impact: anticipated reform of water abstraction management regime [The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mrs Caroline Spelman): The “Natural Environment” White Paper, published on 7 June, announced our intention to reform the water abstraction management regime to provide clearer signals to drive investment decisions to meet water needs and protect ecosystems. The “Water” White Paper, due to be published in December, will provide further details.]",10 June 2011: Volume 529: Dry Weather Conditions,"England,Wales","UKH,UKF","UKH1,UKH2,UKF2",,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2011-06-10/debates/11061044000007/DryWeatherConditions?highlight=drought#contribution-11061044000011,,
497,14,6,2011,Summer,14,6,2011,Summer,"State change: measures to deal with drought [Lord Taylor of Holbeach: My Lords, the Government held a drought summit on 16 May at which a number of actions were agreed. The Environment Agency is now providing weekly updates on the situation and the impact of dry weather. It will report back shortly on the likely impacts of a prolonged drought and the plans in hand to manage it. On 10 June, the Government, with the Environment Agency, met abstractors from a wide range of sectors to look at ways of making water go further. We will keep the situation closely under review and reconvene the drought summit later this month.]",14 June 2011: Volume 728: Environment: Drought,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2011-06-14/debates/11061452000425/EnvironmentDrought,,
498,14,6,2011,Summer,14,6,2011,Summer,"Anticipated Response: Drought’s effect on farming [Earl Cathcart: My Lords, my farm, like others, has received less than three-quarters of an inch of rain since 23 February, and most of it over the last few days. The grass cut for winter feed for cattle has yielded just 40 per cent of what it would normally have done. Will the Government give a one-off permission to cut and bale the six-metre margins to try to make up some of the difference?]",14 June 2011: Volume 728: Environment: Drought,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2011-06-14/debates/11061452000425/EnvironmentDrought,,Drought's impact on farming
499,14,6,2011,Summer,14,6,2011,Summer,"State change: Natural England’s advice Drought’s effect on farming [Lord Taylor of Holbeach: I live not very far away from my noble friend and can vouch for the fact that it is still very dry even after the weekend’s rain. I thank him for his suggestion. Grass and forage are a problem for livestock producers. However, on 2 June, Natural England issued advice to farmers who are in environmental schemes and have been hit by the spring drought about how they might manage their agreements. Natural England wants to ensure that the appropriate derogations are available to help farmers deal with the consequences of a prolonged period of dry weather. If any farmer needs further information or advice about the dry weather and their environmental stewardship agreements they should contact Natural England.]",14 June 2011: Volume 728: Environment: Drought,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2011-06-14/debates/11061452000425/EnvironmentDrought,,
500,14,6,2011,Summer,14,6,2011,Summer,"Impact: anticipated water management and abstraction policy, and Drought’s impact on farming and consumer princes [Lord Knight of Weymouth: My Lords, with 20 per cent of cereal crops already ruined by the dry weather this is a serious problem for farmers, as we have heard. It is also a worry for consumers as food prices continue to rise. Clearly Governments cannot order the weather, but they are responsible for policy on water management and abstraction. The Government were due to publish a water White Paper this month. Why is this urgent piece of work now delayed until December?]",14 June 2011: Volume 728: Environment: Drought,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2011-06-14/debates/11061452000425/EnvironmentDrought,,
501,14,6,2011,Summer,14,6,2011,Summer,"Impact: anticipated water management and abstraction policy, and Drought’s impact on farming and consumer princes [Lord Taylor of Holbeach: It is a very serious situation for cereal producers and farmers in general, and it has a knock-on effect on feedstuffs, foodstuffs and consumers as a whole. That is why the Government are working with the industry and other abstractors to make sure that the water that is available is being properly used without hazarding the biodiversity agenda, which is also important.]",14 June 2011: Volume 728: Environment: Drought,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2011-06-14/debates/11061452000425/EnvironmentDrought,,
502,14,6,2011,Summer,14,6,2011,Summer,"Impact: anticipated change in the regulatory regimes in view of enabling water trading between companies [Lord Taylor of Holbeach: I think that noble Lords will find that more will be said on this in the White Paper. A good deal of water is already transferred within the United Kingdom. There are some longer links; Welsh water goes all over the place already—for which the noble Lord, Lord Wigley, will no doubt vouch—and there are links between the fenland waterways and those of Essex. Ofwat is looking at its regulatory regimes to see if there are ways in which they inhibit the trading of water between companies. The water companies themselves are key agents of the distribution of water in this country.]",14 June 2011: Volume 728: Environment: Drought,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2011-06-14/debates/11061452000425/EnvironmentDrought,,
503,21,3,2012,Spring,21,3,2012,Spring,"State change: holding drought summits to agree actions to manage the impact of drought, work to conserve public water supply [The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Taylor of Holbeach): My Lords, droughts happen in the natural order of things, and the Government’s reaction to the current dry spell is being planned for in detail with the Environment Agency and water companies. The Government recognised the risks early on and, since May 2011, the Secretary of State has held three drought summits to agree actions to manage the impact of drought. Water companies are working closely together to conserve public water supply, and government and key sectors are meeting regularly.]",21 March 2012: Volume 736: Drought Next,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2012-03-21/debates/12032153000317/Drought,,
504,21,3,2012,Spring,21,3,2012,Spring,Response: anticipated water Bill [Lord Taylor of Holbeach:. Noble Lords will know that next week we will consider a water Bill that deals with time-sensitive matters and which I hope will have the concurrence of the House. The noble Lord will have to wait to see whether the water White Paper is translated into legislation in the Queen’s Speech when it occurs.],21 March 2012: Volume 736: Drought Next,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2012-03-21/debates/12032153000317/Drought,,
505,21,3,2012,Spring,21,3,2012,Spring,"Response: order paper on a national grid for water as a means to relieve a drought [Lord Taylor of Holbeach: My noble friend anticipates a Question on the Order Paper about a national grid for water. Of course, all those matters have been considered by this and other Governments. It has been found that the interconnectivity of water systems is far more cost-effective than building a mainline grid. Water is extremely energy-expensive to pump around. Unfortunately, it does not naturally flow from the north of England to the south-east.]",21 March 2012: Volume 736: Drought Next,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2012-03-21/debates/12032153000317/Drought,,
506,21,3,2012,Spring,21,3,2012,Spring,"Response: order paper on a national grid for water as a means to relieve a drought [Lord West of Spithead: My Lords, on that point, has much work been done on the use of operational and non-operational canals to assist in that transfer? Lord Taylor of Holbeach: Yes, it has, and to a limited extent they can be used in the interconnectivity projects between water companies. The companies are sharing a great deal and have invested considerable amounts. There has been a recent investment in the north-west of England to relieve a drought there by pumping water from Wales.]",21 March 2012: Volume 736: Drought Next,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2012-03-21/debates/12032153000317/Drought,,
507,21,3,2012,Spring,21,3,2012,Spring,"State change: suggested short-term plans to alleviate drought [Lord Naseby: Is my noble friend aware that in 1976, when a severe drought affected eastern England, comprehensive work was done even on reversing the flow of rivers. Could he usefully dust down those files and look at all the work that was done in that period? Lord Taylor of Holbeach: I can assure my noble friend that these things are constantly under review. I do not know that any particular major projects will alleviate this drought period, but it is important that we make the most of the natural links that we have and the best use of the water that is available to us.]",21 March 2012: Volume 736: Drought Next,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2012-03-21/debates/12032153000317/Drought,,
508,21,3,2012,Spring,21,3,2012,Spring,"State change: Water transfers into Essex area [Lord Stoddart of Swindon: Will the Minister ensure that water companies do not close existing storage capacity for developing housing and other things? In particular, will he get in touch with Thames Water, which is closing storage capacity in Reading? Lord Taylor of Holbeach: I do not know the details of the particular case to which the noble Lord refers, but it is certainly useful to be advised of that. Thames Water is not in as acute a situation as some of the other water companies. Indeed, it is helping out water companies in Essex by transferring water from its area to Essex. This co-operation between water companies is a very good strategy, and one which the Government are anxious to encourage.]",21 March 2012: Volume 736: Drought Next,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2012-03-21/debates/12032153000317/Drought,Thames Water,
509,21,3,2012,Spring,21,3,2012,Spring,"Impact of drought on food security [Lord Plumb: I congratulate the Government on recognising the importance of water, its usage and its conservation. It is more crucial than people in this country perhaps realise. However, would the Minister agree that in the interest of food security, irrigation is essential? It is going to be a major problem in many areas. I realise that the Environment Agency has the responsibility for maintaining the main arterial rivers. Many of these have been neglected in recent times, which is a matter of importance that needs to be considered. However, restricting water for irrigation for certain food crops would be catastrophic and would result in crop failure.]",21 March 2012: Volume 736: Drought Next,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2012-03-21/debates/12032153000317/Drought,,Impact of drought on food security 
510,19,1,2012,Winter,19,1,2012,Winter,"Response: drought order issued; state change: drought summits [The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mrs Caroline Spelman): My Department takes responsibility for safeguarding the environment, supporting farmers and strengthening the green economy. Essential to each of those is water supply. In that context, my Ministers and I will focus extensively on water resources over the coming year, seeking to avoid unnecessary supply restrictions. Last month, I issued a drought order to South East Water to protect supplies to customers in Sussex. Next month, we shall hold the next in a series of drought summits, and thereafter the Environment Agency will update the drought prospects report. With luck, holding a drought summit tends to bring on the rain. I saw that it rained this morning; we need a lot more of that.]",19 January 2012: Volume 538: Topical Questions,"England,Wales",UKJ,,,,SR,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2012-01-19/debates/12011936000035/TopicalQuestions?highlight=drought#contribution-12011936000131,South East Water,
511,26,4,2012,Spring,26,4,2012,Spring,"Impact: drought summits, national drought group established for coordinating action to manage the impact of drought [The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mrs Caroline Spelman): Drought is a natural phenomenon, so with the Environment Agency and water companies we have been drawing up a contingency plan. Since May 2011 we have held three drought summits and established the national drought group to co-ordinate action to manage the impact of the drought. Water companies are taking action to conserve the public water supply, and that is why we put resilience at the heart of the water White Paper.]",26 April 2012: Volume 543: Drought,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2012-04-26/debates/12042679000037/Drought,,
512,26,4,2012,Spring,26,4,2012,Spring,"Response, State changes: temporary measures for dealing with the drought [Bill Esterson: I think the public must question the competence of the Government when it comes to drought orders, given that we are having one of the wettest springs on record, but does the Secretary of State know anybody, or of anybody, who is using their hosepipe in spite of the hosepipe ban? Mrs Spelman: I could be deluded into thinking that I had the power to make it rain on the basis of this week, but I know that no Government can make it rain. The Government saw the drought coming, warned farmers of the need to make preparations, and said that if we had a second dry winter we would be in a drought situation. The water companies have made the correct decision to introduce temporary restrictions for non-essential uses of domestic water supply in the parts of the country that are water-stressed.]",26 April 2012: Volume 543: Drought,"England,Wales",,,,,SR,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2012-04-26/debates/12042679000037/Drought,,
513,26,4,2012,Spring,26,4,2012,Spring,"Impact: water interconnectivity [Henry Smith: Will my right hon. Friend update the House on what plans the Government have to create water interconnectivity between the regions of the United Kingdom, so that we have more of a national grid of water supply? Mrs Spelman: The Government made it clear in the water White Paper that we published last autumn that we want to see increased connectivity. Water companies are already joining up their sources of supply to help them to move water from areas of plenty to those of greatest need. For example, interconnection exists between United Utilities and the west-east link, and as my hon. Friend will have seen in the press, there is a bulk trading proposal between Severn Trent Water and Anglian Water. Local connectivity is the key, and Ofwat will bring forward proposals for the next price review that will encourage that.]",26 April 2012: Volume 543: Drought,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2012-04-26/debates/12042679000037/Drought,,
514,26,4,2012,Spring,26,4,2012,Spring,"Reponses: drought order given [Mary Creagh (Wakefield) (Lab): I congratulate the Secretary of State on a shining and rare example of a successful Government policy. Since the drought was declared, it has been pouring with rain and she is in danger of doing a Denis Howell. Does she believe that people with boreholes should comply with any hosepipe ban in their area? Mrs Spelman: In her kind remark at the beginning, the hon. Lady recalled the plight of one of my west midlands predecessors, Denis Howell, who will be forever remembered as the Minister for Rain who tried to make it rain in 1976. He is fondly remembered.]",26 April 2012: Volume 543: Drought,"England,Wales",,,,,R,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2012-04-26/debates/12042679000037/Drought,,
515,26,4,2012,Spring,26,4,2012,Spring,"Impact: anticipated reform of water abstraction regime [Mary Creagh: The hosepipe ban has prompted a borehole boom. Taking from the groundwater supply affects everyone, because that is the water that fills the reservoirs, rivers and aquifers used by the public mains water supply. The Secretary of State’s water White Paper that was published in December—her definition of “autumn” is slightly unusual—astonished the water industry, because it proposed delaying the reform of water abstraction until 2027. What plans does she have in the meantime to tackle unsustainable water use by the few to preserve drinking water supplies for the many?]",26 April 2012: Volume 543: Drought,"England,Wales",,,,,I,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2012-04-26/debates/12042679000037/Drought,,
516,26,4,2012,Spring,26,4,2012,Spring,"Impact: anticipated reform of abstraction regime; State change: drought summit [Mrs Spelman: The reform of the abstraction regime has, in effect, commenced. At the drought summit in May last year, the stakeholders in the industry agreed that we needed to take a more flexible approach to the present 30,000 abstractions a year to ensure that the water gets to everybody who needs it. The Environment Agency was praised publicly by the stakeholders at the third drought summit for the flexibility and transparency that have been achieved in the existing abstraction system. That does not mean that there is no scope for further improvement. As I said in the water White Paper, because of the challenge of climate change, we need to reform abstraction.]",26 April 2012: Volume 543: Drought,"England,Wales",,,,,SI,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2012-04-26/debates/12042679000037/Drought,,
517,26,4,2012,Spring,26,4,2012,Spring,"Anticipated response and state change [George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con): At the time of the last Environment, Food and Rural Affairs questions in March, there was not a cloud in the sky and the sun was shining, and the Secretary of State set out some important measures on drought. I congratulate her on the wettest month in recent years. Notwithstanding that, groundwater and aquifer levels are still low, posing some threat to farmers and habitats in Norfolk. Will she take this opportunity to encourage families around the country to use water judiciously in the home and house to prevent the risk of drought this summer?’]",26 April 2012: Volume 543: Drought,"England,Wales",,,,,SR,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2012-04-26/debates/12042679000037/Drought,,
518,26,4,2012,Spring,26,4,2012,Spring,"State change: water conservation incentives [Mrs Spelman: The current conditions allow water companies and farmers to top up the reservoirs, which is a good thing, but it is important that we continue to make all the efforts we can to conserve water.]",26 April 2012: Volume 543: Drought,"England,Wales",,,,,S,Regulation,Water Industry,https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2012-04-26/debates/12042679000037/Drought,,