THAMES WATER AND ITS LEAKAGE REDUCTION TARGET

Early day motion 2426, tabled 21 June 2006 by Edward Davey (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 38 members.

That this House is deeply concerned that Thames Water has missed its leakage reduction target for a third successive year; notes that it is still losing an average of 894 million litres of water per day through leaks; further notes that Thames Water has been allowed to increase its prices by an average of 24 per cent. between 2005 and 2010 and this year announced a 31 per cent. rise in pre-tax profits to £346.5 million, despite failing to deliver basic services to consumers such as security of supply; acknowledges the comments from Ofwat calling the company `inefficient' and accusing it of exacerbating the water shortages that have led Thames Water to impose a hosepipe ban and to seek a drought order; and calls upon Ofwat to take action to ensure that Thames Water meets its leakage reduction target or is penalised for failing to do so.

Signatures by party: Labour 15, Liberal Democrat 13, Conservative 6, DUP 3, Plaid Cymru 1.