WATER PRICES

Early day motion 543, tabled 14 April 1999 by Dan Norris (Labour). Signed by 90 members.

That this House calls on the Government and Ofwat to stand by targets set last year to make water companies responsible for delivering smaller bills together with better quality standards; is concerned at the apparent campaign being conducted by several water companies against making price cuts for consumers; regrets that some water firms are proposing price rises; notes that water firms make large profits in a relatively low-risk business; recognises that commercial organisations often look to the financial market to raise investment capital; and believes that water firms' considerable profits are better able to sustain calls for investment than hard-pressed householders and their families.

Signatures by party: Labour 79, Liberal Democrat 5, Labour/Co-operative 4, Plaid Cymru 2.