To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he expects to publish the Water Strategy; and what account it will take of affordability.

Our aim is to publish the Government's new Water Strategy later this summer. The Strategy will set out a coherent policy framework to underpin our commitments for water availability and quality.

Its aim is to improve standards of service and quality while balancing environmental impacts, water quality, supply and demand, and social and economic effects. It will take into account affordability concerns, particularly for those on low incomes and vulnerable groups.