THAMES WATER AND WATER SHORTAGES

Early day motion 2211, tabled 18 May 2006 by Diane Abbott (Labour). Signed by 32 members.

That this House notes with the greatest concern that 23 water companies in England and Wales are losing between eight million and 915 million litres of water a day totalling 3.6 billion litres between them; further notes that Thames Water, the worst culprit, has increased its operating profit by 17 per cent. yet loses one-third of its water between the reservoir and the home, which is 915 million litres a day, and has missed its target for reducing leaks for five successive years; is concerned that this highly profitable company is making consumers pay and suffer hosepipe and other water usage restrictions because of its own failings; deplores these ludicrous levels of water loss at a time when climate change threatens to increase the frequency and length of droughts; and calls on the Government to ensure that water companies improve their performance levels as a matter of urgency and that the public is educated about how to cut water use in the home.

Signatures by party: Labour 21, Liberal Democrat 8, Plaid Cymru 1, Respect 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.