Clause 42 - Objectives and duties under WIA
Water Bill [Lords]
9:00 am
Mr Norman Baker (Lewes, Liberal Democrat)
I am grateful that the Minister recognises that these issues should properly be taken into account. One reason that we tabled the amendment was that we are not convinced that Ofwat's approach to date has appropriately reflected the long-term considerations.
One of my concerns about the regulation of the water industry in general is the justified complaint that the consumer element has not had proper regard to environmental necessities and that, equally, the Environment Agency has not paid enough attention to the consumer element. The Bill is trying to address that, and the problem has been recognised implicitly, but we tabled the amendment to make the position clear.
I am grateful to the Minister for recognising that consumer interest is not merely about competition. I am not convinced that Ofwat takes that into account, and I hope that the new arrangement will improve that. I am happy to withdraw the amendment on the basis of the Minister's comments, but I put down the marker that there is a problem. The new arrangements must be better than the present ones. I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.